Century, Jay, Atmore, Escambia Grow; Pensacola, Flomaton Lose Residents
June 25, 2010
The U.S. Census Bureau has released its latest population estimates, which show growth in communities including Century, Jay, Atmore, Escambia County (Fla.) and Santa Rosa County; and population declines in Pensacola, Flomaton, Escambia County (Ala.)
Escambia County, Florida
Overall, Escambia County grew 3 percent, from 294,410 persons counted in the 2000 census to an estimated 2009 population of 303,343.
Pensacola saw a population decline of 2,502 people from 2000-2009. After a population of 56,255 in the 2000 census, Pensacola’s population declined 4.4 percent to 53,752.
Century, which had a population of 1,714 in 2000, experienced a 8.6 percent growth rate from 2000-2009. As of the 2009 estimate, Century had grown to 1,862 residents.
Outside of Pensacola and Century, Escambia County grew about 3 percent, from 294,410 people outside of Century and Pensacola in 2000 to 303,343 as of the 2009 estimate.
Santa Rosa County, Florida
Santa Rosa County’s population increased 28.9 percent from 117,743 in 2000 to 151,759 in 2009, according to the Census Bureau — an increase of 34,016 people. Outside of Santa Rosa County’s cities and towns, the population grew 30 percent from 104,454 in 2000 to 135,769 by the 2009 estimate.
Santa Rosa’s smallest town, Jay, had an estimated increase of 19.7 percent, from 579 residents in 2000 to 693 in 2009.
Gulf Breeze grew 16.7 percent from the 2000 census of 5,665 to 6,609 estimated in 2009. Milton had a 23.3 percent growth rate from 7,045 to 8,688 in 2009.
Escambia County, Alabama
Atmore grew 31.8 percent from 7,676 in the 2000 census to 10,119 estimated residents in 2009. However, it’s worth noting that while the 2000 census officially counted 7,676 in 2000, the Census Bureau actually estimated Atmore’s population to actually be 10,298 in 2000, which would actual population decline of 179 residents.
Flomaton’s population decreased a slight 3.1 percent from 1,588 in 2000 to an estimated 1,540 in 2009.
Brewton declined 4.8 percent from 5,498 in 2000 to 5246 in 2009. And East Brewton had a 0.8 percent decrease from 2,496 in 200 to 2,475 in 2009.
Riverview, a tiny town south of Brewton, had huge growth by percentage, increasing 56.6 percent from 99 residents in 2000 to 155 in 2009. Escambia County’s other small town, Pollard, had 120 residents in 2000 and 118 estimated in 2009.
Outside of the five cities and towns in Escambia County, Ala., there was a large population decline in the county. The 2000 census showed 20,963 non-city residents, which declined 17.9 percent to 17,781 as of the 2009 estimate. However, due to the Census Bureau’s population estimate discrepancies with Atmore’s numbers, Escambia County showed only a slight decrease in population from an estimated 18,283 in 2000 t0 17,781 in 2009.
Cost Of Some Hunting, Fishing Permits Headed Up; New Deer Permit Required
June 24, 2010
There will be an increase in the cost of some of Florida’s hunting and saltwater fishing permits, beginning July 1. If sportsmen act now, however, they can beat the price increase.
On July 1, 2010, the cost of a turkey permit will go up from $5 to $10 for Florida residents and from $100 to $125 for nonresidents. In addition, Florida waterfowl permits will increase as well, from $3 to $5.
The cost of two saltwater fishing permits also will go up July 1. The snook permit will increase from $2 to $10, and lobster permits will increase from $2 to $5.
Until July 1, though, sportsmen can buy all of these permits at the current prices, and all permits are valid for one year after the date of purchase.
There also is a new deer permit that will be required whenever hunting deer in Florida, beginning during the upcoming 2010-2011 hunting season. The permit will cost $5 and will not be available for purchase until July 1.
Those with a Sportsman’s License, Gold Sportsman’s License, 64 or Older Sportsman’s License, Military Gold Sportsman’s License, Lifetime Hunting License or Lifetime Sportsman’s License will not need to purchase the new deer permit because it has already been included in each of these licenses, even if they were purchased before July 1.
However, the deer permit is not included with a hunting license, combination hunting/freshwater fishing license, combination hunting/freshwater/saltwater license or a five-year hunting license. Anyone hunting deer with either of these licenses must also buy the $5 deer permit to hunt deer legally.
All permits and related licenses can be purchased at county tax collectors’ offices, retail outlets that sell fishing and hunting supplies, online at www.fl.wildlifelicense.com or by calling toll-free 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (486-8356).
Local Man Charged With DUI; Found Driving With Son, 7, In Truck
June 24, 2010
A Century man is facing child neglect charges after he was accused of driving under the influence while his seven year old son was in the front seat of his vehicle.
Justin Tery Franklin, 28, is charged with misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence and refusal to submit to an alcohol test,and a felony charge of child neglect. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on $3,500 bond.
According to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report, Deputy James Gilman spotted Franklin’s white Toyota pickup truck weaving in and out of its lane on Highway 168. Gilman also reported watching it run off the road as Franklin turned onto Highway 4A. Gilman initiated a traffic stop as Franklin turned into a long driveway in the 2700 block of Highway 4A, but Franklin continued about 200 yards down the driveway until he stopped behind a mobile home at the address.
Franklin’s seven year old son was in the front seat of the pickup at the time of the stop, according to the arrest report. Franklin reportedly refused to exit the vehicle and then refused to provide his driver’s license to Gilman. When deputies Scott Mashburn and Steve Kay arrived as backup, Franklin then complied.
Franklin, according to the report, told the deputies that he had “three or four beers” and that he drove to the residence because that is where his seven-year old son was currently living. The son was released to a responsible party.
After failing a field sobriety test, Franklin was placed under arrest and transported to the Escambia County Jail where he refused a blood alcohol test, the report states.
He was also ticketed for failing to use his seat belt, and failing to drive within a single lane.
Franklin is due to appear in court on July 15.
It’s Hard To Say Goodbye: Reader’s Pensacola Beach Oil Photos
June 24, 2010
It was the day that the World’s Whitest Beaches were no more. It was the day that the oil began to wash onto the shores of Pensacola Beach. It was the day the sands were stained black with oil; it was the day the tears of the locals stained the remaining sugar white sand.
It was Wednesday, June 23, 2010. Masses of oil began to wash onto Pensacola Beach from the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Walnut Hill resident Regina Hare was there and submitted a gallery of photos for NorthEscambia.com readers. She titled the photos “It’s hard to say goodbye”.
Click here for the photos “It’s hard to say goodbye”.
Submitted photos by Regina Hare for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
On The Trail Again: Century Resident Continues Hike Across Spain
June 24, 2010
We are continuing to follow the journals of Century resident Terri Sanders as she hikes 500 miles across Spain this summer.
As Terri hikes from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, she will file dispatches from her journal and send pictures when possible for NorthEscambia.com as she hikes the Camino de Santiago — the Way of St. James — to the Atlantic Ocean.
After a bit of a stomach virus setback at an emergency room visit the last time we checked in with Terri, she’s off again….
To read the complete series from day one, click here.
(Make sure you scroll down to read entries from three different days.)
June 9 2010
Start: Narvarrete
Destination: Burgos
We left the hostel this morning and headed for the bus stop. After waiting 45 minutes a gentleman came and told us we were at the wrong bus top. We just made it to the right stop as the bus turned the corner. We put our packs in the luggage storage and hopped on board.
We are jumping forward to Burgos in order to stay on track. My episode at the emergency room and subsequent bed rest has thrown us off. Gratefully Lou hasn’t thrown me away. In fact both he and the hostel owner have been most solicitous. It was rainy and overcast for the two hour ride to Burgos, but we saw some beautiful scenery and small farms. We both agreed that this was a great way to see the scenery. We got into Burgos just before lunch.
I realized that I had left my walking stick back on the bench at the bus station .I am glad I only paid 5 Euros for it. We got our tickets to see the Burgos Cathedral. We grabbed some soup at a little café. We are learning a few words of Spanish and were glad we got what we ordered.
We then went in search of our hostel which is above a small quaint chapel. There are only 16 bunks here, a small kitchen, shower and toilets. After a refreshing nap, we went for a three hour tour of the cathedral. This is my first cathedral and I quickly ran down my camera battery and got a stiff neck to boot.
The self tour was absolutely great; you could stop and stay as long as you wanted in each of the smaller cathedrals that were built hundreds of years ago. It seems that a ruler or a bishop would just add a room onto the original building.
Afterwards we went on an hour tour of the city on a small train. It was another way to see some of the historic places here without lots of walking. We did take a long stroll along one of the many tree lined streets here. There are lots of plazas and we got lost trying to get back to the hostel. We finally found it and then spent some time in prayer and reflection in the small chapel. I lit a candle for a special prayer request. This is the first time I have ever done that even though I spent the first 8 years of my life as a Catholic.
We found another small café for supper which also offered wi fi and we both checked our emails. I found another hiking stick, this one for 4 Euros. Maybe I can keep track of this one. Tomorrow we start walking again. We had doubled up the miles on several days last week in order to get us ahead before I got sick.
We hope to finish in Santiago on the 30 of June. I discovered as I got ready for bed that my silk liner, my wash cloth and pack towel had not made it into my pack. Somewhere in the changing of rooms they were lost .The towel and wash cloth are no big deal I had washed them and hung them out to dry and Lou just didn’t recognize them as mine. The liner however was on top of my bed when I left for the hospital. It was nowhere to be found when we came back, but losing my silk liner is a big deal. It is all I have to sleep under at night. Sometimes the hostels have some blankets, sometimes they do not. I put all of the clothes I have with me on, covered the bottom half of me with Lou’s coat which was partially dry, at least inside and used my coat to cover the rest of me.
Bus miles 90
June 10 2010
Start: Burgos
Destination: Hornillos del Camino
It had started raining last night and continued this morning. We are brave, we are fearful, we are crazy! We packed up then found a small café where we got hot tea and croissants for breakfast. It was drizzling as we walked out later. The book said that today we would have very little shade and it could be a long hot walk.
It would have been had it not been pouring rain. Sometimes the rain came down in sheets and then let up only to hit us with bursts of gusts that kept taking my pack cover and my hat off. After an hour or so we stopped for a cup of hot chocolate. Talk about something tasting good.
Then it was back into the elements for another few hours before we stopped again for hot tea and a snack. It was nice and warm in the cafes which made getting back outside in the rain and wind twice as hard. Somehow I had gotten the towns confused and when we came to the small village of Hornillus del Camino I thought we were breaking for lunch. I thought we had another 2.5 kilometers to go before we were through for the day. This was a nice surprise. The next town was too far away for us to try to make and besides we were both soaking wet and tired of being blasted with rain and wind.
There was a nice fire going in the fireplace and we got our passport stamped. We know have enough stamps in our passports to collect our certificates in Santiago. The albueque was full so we were put over in the overflow room. There is one shower, a bathroom and a room with 7 bunks beds. The room is big enough for 4 bunk beds!
There was a heater by my bed and I got the point across that I wanted her to turn it on. She leaned over the bed, turned the switches and said” Now work.” Thankfully there were blankets on every bed. I grabbed two from close by bunks and prayed no one would come in and need a blanket. A Korean lady gave me hers since she had a sleeping bag. Durn, I used to have a nice sleeping bag, and a silk liner. Oh well!
I changed into dry clothes and lay down to dry and get warm. I thought I would never get my core temperature up to normal. I kept reaching up and messing with the heater knobs to no avail. It took close to an hour before I felt warm again. This group is the quietest group of hikers I have ever been with. Within a couple hours this room was full also and I am glad we got here when we did. We walked down the street to a little café (that is all they have here) and got supper.
I had pasta with tomatoes and breaded hack. Lots of bread and a glass of wine. Of course I couldn’t eat it all so Lou finished it up for me. He was supposed to save the piece of fish for tomorrow’s lunch, but he wolfed it down in a hurry, and then added dessert on top of that. Back in the bunkhouse I climbed under all the blankets and bid Lou good night. An early day for us and a short one.
Miles 12.4
June 11 2010
Start: Hornillus del Camoni
Destination: Castorjeriz
I purposely avoided looking out the window when I got up and packed up.There is no breakfast here so we were going to eat a power bar and hike until we found a nice place for an early lunch.
I groaned when I stepped outside. Once again it was cold, rainy, windy and miserable. But true to our nature we took a deep breath and dove right into the mud and started walking. Today we set a record. We were on the trail by 7:00 am. That is unusual for us since my day doesn’t begin until 8:00am.
So we slogged along eating our power bars and trying in vain to stay dry. Today I wished everyone a Buenos Aqua Camino which means Good Wet Way. And wet it was!
Today we travel the lonely meseta with only the sounds of nature to entertain us. It was too cold to take any breaks so we kept on walking. We got to the town of Hontanos. It had been almost an hour since it had rained and we were celebrating! The first two little bars we came to were full of hungry wet hikers with standing room only.
We plodded on down to the next one, it was the same. We were almost out of town and ready to turn around and go back when Lou stuck his head in the door of a little market. Lou is a big, tall guy and with his pack on he cannot go through most of these small doors. We hit pay dirt.
It was a tiny market but it had a cappuccino machine which said hot chocolate and hot tea to us! Lou took his pack off and we walked in. It felt like heaven! We greeted the manager who was wearing a Michigan State sweatshirt. Lou went to Michigan State. It was warm, dry and had one table and 3 bar stools. And it was empty!
The manager took his sweatshirt off and handed it to me. Oh man oh man what trail magic! The sweatshirt was warm and cozy. I was completed soaked. We started off with a couple homemade muffins, some hot drinks and a couple bananas. This was not a café but a tiny market with fresh produce. We are seating there when Lou spies some fresh eggs. Then he notices that there is a one burner stove against the wall. Well in two shakes of a lamb’s tail Lou had the guy frying up eggs, added bread and jam to the plate and proudly served us! It was a meal fit for a king in our eyes and we were warm and dry.
There is a small hostel here and we met a couple in their thirties that are hiking all over the world. She is from Hungary, he is from California. He sold all he owned two years ago and has been walking ever since. When money runs low, he simply finds a job for a few weeks! As does she. What a nomad life. It sounded good in theory but I am too old for that kind of adventure.
We took a 90 minute break, just talking to these young people and then stepped back out into reality. Cold, wet ,miserable. Just after lunch thankfully the rain stops and we are left with muddy roads, wet bodies and clothes and nothing but farm land to entertain us. Also not trees to hide behind. At one point we split up Lou on one side of the road, me over in some weeds on the other side of the road, taking a potty break.
We have saw very few vehicles all day. Wouldn’t you know it, just as I squatted down, this van comes barreling around the corner. He gets a look of Lou standing close to a tree and immediately turns his head towards the other side of the road. You want to guess what he saw? Yep, you are right, me in a full squat in plain sight of him. I simply did what anyone would do. I waved at him and waved and started laughing so hard I had no trouble finishing the job!
We came to the ruins of an old church and Lou thought it would be a good idea to climb up there and check it out. It would have been had it not been raining and had we taken our packs off first. I handed him my stick to help him up the bank. Then I had visions of him rolling down on top of me, so I made haste back down to the road. He never made it to the top.
We questioned why we didn’t take our packs off first. By early afternoon we had not had any rain for several hours. As we hiked into our hometown for the night, we passed a pilgrim taking on the phone. He caught up with us a while later and told me he recognized me. It was the hiker I ran into back in Pamplona.
I told him he was famous, and he asked why? I said because of us meeting two weeks ago in the motel. I said no because you wouldn’t let you granddaughter drive me to St.Jean. We hiked into the town of Castrojeriz and found the municipal hostel. Twenty five bunks in a room, six twin mattresses on the floor, shower, and a microwave. All for a donation. We grabbed two places on the floor and unpacked our stuff.
I would have taken a hot shower except I had no towel. On the Appalachian Trail the longest I went without a shower was 11 days. Maybe I will set a new record. I do have some little soaped disposable wipes. I wash the 3 main important places, in the right order mind you and say I am clean. There are blankets on the bed though, so I know I will be warm. There is a faint piece of blue sky outside so we hope for dry weather tomorrow. There is an outfitters here (town of 1,000) so after his manana time which is between 2 and 4 pm I will go and check out the sleeping bags and a towel!
Miles 13.4
Learn to Burn: Certified Pile Burners Course Offered
June 24, 2010
An upcoming pile burner course will teach area residents how to burn piles legally, safely and efficiently.
When the weather is dry, certified pile burners will receive priority for authorization to burn. Also, certified pile burners are allowed to burn up to two hours longer per day and get multiple day authorizations.
Florida Division of Forestry and University of Florida will offer a certified pile burner course on Wednesday, August 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Escambia County Extension Office, 3740 Stefani Road in Cantonment. Attendance is limited to 50; the cost is $50.
To pre-register, or for more information, call Libbie Johnson at (850) 475-5230, visit escambia.ifas.ufl.edu or email libbiej@ufl.edu.
Retirement Party To Be Held For Lorenzo “Coach” Jones
June 24, 2010
Longtime educator and coach Lorenzo Jones will be honored with a retirement dinner party Friday night in Century.
Jones retired this year after 34 years in the classroom at Northview High, Carver/Century, Carver Middle and Century High schools. Most recently, Jones taught American History and World History at Northview, where he also coached football and basketball.
“Throughout the years, many of us have grown to know Mr. Jones in many different ways. Out of the kindness of his heart, he has done much for this community especially for most of us and our children whether it was during the summer months or in school. Whether it was something small or something big, he has touched the lives of many,” said event organizer Sharon Robinson.
Everyone is invited to the retirement dinner Friday from 6 p.m until at the Century Community Center on West Highway 4 from 6 p.m. until. Gifts are welcome.
Firefighters Battle Highway 164 Blaze
June 23, 2010
(Updated) A McDavid home was damaged by fire Wednesday afternoon.
The fire was reported about 5:30 p.m. on Highway 164 just west of Highway 29. Smoke was pouring from the attic of the home when the the first firefighters arrived.
The fire, which was believed to have started from an electrical problem, was quickly contained. The wood frame house sustained smoke and water damage throughout. There were no injuries.
The McDavid, Walnut Hill, Century and Molino stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Flomaton Fire Department responded to the blaze.
Pictured above and below: Fire damaged a home on Highway 164 in McDavid late Wednesday afternoon. Pictured inset: A firefighter makes entry into the home. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bratt-Davisville Boil Water Notice Rescinded
June 23, 2010
A precautionary boil water notice in effect since Saturday for some Bratt-Davisville Water System customers has been rescinded.
The precautionary boil water notice was rescinded after bacteriological sampling showed the water to be safe to drink, the water system said. The notice had been in effect for the area bounded by West Highway 4, Bratt Road and Pine Barren Road.
For more information, contact the Bratt-Davisville-Water System at (850) 327-6778.
Health Advisory Issued For Escambia Coast
June 23, 2010
Effective immediately, in response to a report by the Escambia County Emergency Operations Center of numerous tar balls and matted mousse-like substance, 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 Walkover 23 on Pensacola Beach to east of the Johnson Beach Gate of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. This includes Fort Pickens. This excludes Portofino.
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. 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.