ECAT And 3-Cent Gas Tax: An In Depth Look At North Escambia’s Only Bus
June 7, 2009
Thursday, the Escambia County Commission is set to consider a 3-cent gasoline tax to fund mass transit in the county.
The commission will hold the public hearing on June 18 on the 3-cent gas tax for Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT). After the public hearing, it will take a super majority — four of the five commissions must vote in favor of the gas tax for it to be approved. But two commissioners — Kevin White and Wilson Robertson — have already said publicly that they will not support the tax.
Today, NorthEscambia.com takes an in-depth look at “Route 60″, the only ECAT bus that operates in North Escambia.
Century & Molino To Pensacola Bus Is ECAT’s Most Expensive; Riders Say Most Valuable
The ECAT bus that runs from Century and Molino to Pensacola is the most expensive bus per person and the most expensive bus per hour in the entire public transportation system in the county. But to those that ride it, the “Route 60″ bus in the one of the most important buses in the ECAT network.
The “Route 60″ bus makes three weekday trips between Century and the ECAT transfer center where it allows riders to connect to the rest of the ECAT network. It makes the run twice on Saturdays.
“It’s so valuable,” Brenda Spencer said. Spencer is a frequent passenger on the bus, riding between her home in Century and her job downtown in the county attorney’s office. “It is truly needed in Century, even if it does need more passengers. I wish more people would take advantage of it.”
The bus costs $16.27 per passenger to operate, according to ECAT numbers from the last fiscal year. That’s the most expensive cost per passenger by far over any other bus in the system, with every other route falling below $10 per person (except for a free tourist route that runs to Pensacola Beach). In fact, is almost twice the next most expensive route per person, a 12th Avenue area route that costs ECAT $8.68 per person. The Century and Molino to Pensacola bus is also the most expensive per hour to operate in the ECAT system, at $78.29 per hour.
But the bus provides transportation to and from Pensacola for Century and Molino residents that otherwise might not have a way to get to and from Pensacola, Spencer said. And, it’s much easier and cheaper than driving.
“It has saved me so much money,” Spencer said. “And it has saved me mentally and physically. It’s given me time to do my reading, do my Sunday School lesson and more while riding to work.”
A total of 7,819 riders took the Route 60 bus over a one year period. That compares to 145,883 riders on a Fairfield Drive area bus.
Spencer said she would like to see more Century residents take advantage of the bus, whether it be for shopping trips, or doctor visits, or any other trip to Pensacola.
“It is such a wonderful group of people to ride with,” she said. “It’s like a family atmosphere. We’ve gotten to know each other.”
“Ride the bus, ride the bus, ride the bus,” Spencer added. “I can’t advertise that enough. Ride the bus.”
Due to the low number of riders, ECAT has ordered two smaller buses to be assigned to the Century route to replace the current full-size transit buses that are used to service North Escambia.
For a printable pdf Route 60 map, schedule and rate information, click here.
Pictured above middle: The “Route 60″ Century and Molino to Pensacola ECAT route map. Pictured below: A timetable for the bus. Click to enlarge.
Are You Ready For DTV? Digital TV Transition Date Is Friday
June 7, 2009
The long awaited switch to digital television is Friday. In North Escambia and the immediate surrounding area, 15,776 free $40 coupons for converter boxes to prepare for the June 12 switch have been ordered.
If you do not have a digital ready television and have not installed a digital converter box, your TV will stop working after the transition on Friday if you do not have cable or satellite. The government was handing out $40 coupons to anyone that asks to help purchase the converter box, including replacement coupons for those that allowed coupons they had previously ordered to expire.
Here is the breakdown of how many coupons had been ordered in the North Escambia and surrounding area, as of the first week of June:
- Century, 32535: 1,490
- McDavid/Walnut Hill, 32568: 1,199
- Molino, 32577: 1,252
- Cantonment, 32533: 4,343
- Jay, 32565: 1,477
- Flomaton, 36441: 920
- Atmore, 36502-4: 5,095
While those watching satellite or cable television, or those with digital tuner TV will not be required to connect a converter box in order to continue watching their favorite broadcast stations, a converter box would be required in order to watch TV when the satellite or cable system was not working.If you do have cable or satellite television, having a DTV converter box may open up programs that you are unable to watch on local stations. WKRG channel 5 is currently running classic television programs . Channel 15, WPMI, is running a weather station “WeatherPlus” on station 15-2. If you like public television, a converter box will get you not only the normal public TV stations 23 and 42, but also five additional public TV stations on the subchannels for WSRE and WEIQ. (Each digital station may have more than one channel. For instance, WSRE 23 on a normal analog TV become three stations…23-1, 23-2 and 23-3… with different programming on a digital box).
In order to get on the waiting list for a $40 converter box coupon from the government, visit dtv2009.org or call 1-888-DTV-2009. The boxes sell at retail from about $40 to $70. They can also be ordered from several retailers online with the coupon.
If you still have questions, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has three events scheduled in Escambia County this week to provide more information and allow persons to apply for coupons in person. The FCC events will take place at
- The Bayview Senior Center at 2000 East Lloyd Street Tuesday from 10:30 until 11:3o a.m.
- Radio Shack, Cordova Mall, Tuesday from 4:00 until 5:30 p.m.
- Bands On the Beach, Pensacola Beach, Tuesday from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m.
Here is more information from the dtv2009 web site:
On June 12, 2009, all full-powered television stations will begin broadcasting only in digital, as required by law. To assist U.S. households with this historic transition, the National Telecommunication and Information Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program to help Americans continue receiving over-the-air television after June 12, 2009.Why is television going from analog broadcasting to digital?
The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 requires broadcasters to broadcast only in digital after June 12, 2009. Digital television promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up some of the nation’s airwaves for use by emergency responders.
What is the significance of the June 12, 2009 digital TV transition date?
If households receive television programs over-the-air using “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna, they must take action to continue using their analog TVs after June 12, 2009. Consumers have three options, which include 1) buying a converter box that will plug into their current analog TV, 2) buying a TV with a digital tuner or 3) connecting their analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service.
How can the public obtain a $40 coupon toward purchasing an eligible converter box?
All U.S. households are able to request, on a first-come, first-served basis, up to two, $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of a certified converter box. Converter boxes are expected to cost between $40 and $70, however, it is a one-time cost with no monthly service charges. Coupons will expire 90 days after they are mailed.
For more information about the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, or to apply for coupons, visit www.DTV2009.gov or call toll free 1-888-388-2009 (1-888-DTV-2009). The hearing impaired may call the TTY number 1-877-530-2634 for information in English, and for information in Spanish, consumers can call TTY number 1-866-495-1161. Consumers can also request and submit a coupon application by mailing PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208 or by faxing 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632).
Where can the public buy a coupon-eligible converter?
Coupon-eligible converter boxes are only available at certified stores and online retailers where televisions and other consumer electronics are sold, as well as by mail-order. When the coupon is mailed to you, it will include an insert with a list of nearby, participating retailers. You can also go online at www.DTV2009.gov, enter your zip code, and locate participating retailers on a map.
What can the public do to plan for the transition?
Now is the time to identify whether any TV in your home is analog and receives over-the-air programming through “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service will need to take action before June 12, 2009, to ensure their TV sets continue to work. It is important to know your options and make sure your family, friends and neighbors are aware of whether they need to take action before the transition date. The important thing is that no one is left in the dark on June 12.
Barrineau Park Historical Society Presents Scholarship
June 7, 2009
The Barrineau Park Historical Society recently presented a scholarship to Clint Fillingim of Barrineau Park.
Fillingim is a lifetime member of the Barrineau Park Historical Society and a graduate of a West Florida High School of Advanced Technology. He also received a Bright Futures scholarship and Cum Laude awards.
He performs with the musical group Chapel Strings at the Barrineau Park Community Center, various churches, nursing homes and prisons.
Pictured above: Nita Berry presents a Barrineau Park Historical Society scholarship to Clint Fillingim recently at West Florida High School. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
There’s Still Time To Tour The Juan Sebastián de Elcano
June 7, 2009
Today is the last day to tour the Spanish Navy’s training tall ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano at the Port of Pensacola. The Elcano and its crew of 300 sailors are in Pensacola until Tuesday for the 450th anniversary celebration of the city as well as the 60th anniversary of the Fiesta of Five Flags.The free 20 minutes tours will be Monday from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m.
The tall ship is named after Juan Sebastián de Elcano who sailed with Magellan on his first circumnavigation of the globe, and then completed the circumnavigation after Magellan’s death during the voyage. The Elcano was launched on March 5, 1927. It is the official training ship for Spanish Midshipmen of the Spanish Naval Academy and has sailed more than 1.5 million nautical miles on 77 cruises, 10 of which have been around the world. Considered to be a “floating embassy,” the ship’s presence in foreign countries and ports has enhanced Spanish foreign policy across the globe. This is the ships sixth visit to Pensacola since 1959.
For more photos from Mike Newton Photography for NorthEscambia.com, click here.
Pictured: The Juan Sebastian de Elcano in Pensacola. Submitted photo by Mike Newton Photography for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
For even more photos, visit www.mikenewtonphotography.zenfolio.com.
Blueberries Are Ready At Area U-pick Farm
June 6, 2009
The blueberries are ripe for the picking this weekend at A & N Blueberries in Molino.
Sweet, plump, perfect-color blueberries are just $1 per pound at the u-pick farm that has become a North Escambia tradition.
“They are sweeter than the blueberries you find in the stores,” Sarah Miller of A & N Blueberries said. “Plus it is just a fun atmosphere to bring the family to pick. We even have some families that will bring a lunch and have a picnic.”
“I love blueberries. I love blueberry jam. Blueberries on toast, on bagels,” she said. “Blueberries are just good.”
The blueberry farm sits on about six acres, with rows and rows of trees nearly two decades old. Miller and her husband Eli purchased the farm from his grandparents this year. The blueberries are top quality, good enough that Apple Market and other stores in Pensacola sell A & N Blueberries.
Sarah said that now is the time to pick blueberries for the freezer, and freezing blueberries is easy.
“You go straight from the farm to the freezer; you don’t even wash them first,” she said. “You wash them after you take them out of the freezer.” She said blueberries frozen fresh from the farm can last for a few years in the freezer. Fresh blueberries, she said, will remain at peak quality for about five days.
The blueberry crop is expected to be available until about July 1. The farm will also have watermelons in about two weeks.
In addition to the u-pick blueberries for $1 per pound, A & N also offers pre-picked blueberries for $3 per pound, and fresh blueberry jam.
A & N Blueberries is located on Suncrest Lane, just off Sunshine Hill Road about a half mile north of Molino Road. Click here for a Google map. A & N Blueberries is open Monday-Saturday 7 a.m. to dark.
Pictured top: Sarah and Eli Miller pick blueberries at their A & N Blueberries farm in Molino. Pictured inset and below: Farm-fresh blueberries at A & N Blueberries in Molino. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Many Churches Plan Vacation Bible Schools
June 6, 2009
Many North Escambia area churches have Vacation Bible Schools and other summer events and camps planned for this summer. A list is below.
Rays Chapel VBS
Pack your bags and hop on board the “Boomerang Express: It All Comes Back to Jesus!” Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church, on Bogia Road in McDavid, will hold Vacation Bible School June 8-12 from 5:30-8:00 pm daily for children ages PK-12 (6th grade). A special Kick-off Party and Registration event will begin Sunday, June 7, from 5pm-7pm at the church. The ZooMobile, from Gulf Breeze Zoo, will be on site from 5-6 pm with Australian animals and artifacts. There will be a “bouncy house” and plenty of food and fun. For more information, call the church at (850) 256-3422.
First Baptist Bratt VBS
The First Baptist Church of Bratt will hold their “Boomerang Express: It All Comes Back to Jesus!” Vacation Bible School June 8-12 from 8:30 until 11:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome.
Walnut Hill Baptist VBS
Vacation Bible School will be held June 8-12 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m for ages 4-13 at Walnut Hill Baptist Church. Everyone is invited to come join us at Camp E.D.G.E. (Experience & Discover God Everywhere)!
Atmore Baptist Temple VBS
Vacation Bible School will be held June 8-12 from 6: 30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m for students K-6 at Atmore Baptist Temple. “Pioneers and Prairie Dogs” will travel the Old West with fun songs, silly skits, lip smakin’ snacks, exciting Bible stories and much more. Everyone is welcome.
Little Escambia Baptist Church Youth VBS
Little Escambia Baptist Church will hold a youth VBS for grades 7-11 from 6 until 8:30 p.m. June 7-11. For more info, call (251) 296-2453.
First Assembly Atmore VBS
The First Assembly of God in Atmore will hold a kid’s camp “Son Rock, Where Kid’s Live on the Rock: Jesus!” June 8-12 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. for ages 2 to 6th grade. Register online at www.atmorefirstassembly.org.
Flomaton First Baptist VBS
Flomaton First Baptist Church will hold Vacation Bible School June 8-12 for grades K-6. Everyone is invited. Call (251) 296-2453 for more info.
Little Escambia Baptist Church VBS
Little Escambia Baptist Church will hold Vacation Bible School June 8-12 from 8:30 a.m. to noon for ages 4 to 6th grade. Call (251) 296-2777 for a ride or more info.
Faith Bible Church VBS
Faith Bible Baptist Church in Bluff Springs will hold Vacation Bible School on July 13th – 16th from 6:00-8:15 pm for Ages 5-12 years old. This year’s theme will be “Rescue Zone: Saved By God’s Power”. For more information call the church at (850) 256-5483.
LJ Stewart Baptist Camp
The LJ Stewart Baptist Camp will be held on the grounds of Grace Baptist Church, 1410 North Century Blvd. in McDavid June 15 – 19. Ages 8 and older are invited as overnight campers. Ages 7 and under are invited as day campers. This year’s theme is In The Footsteps Of Jesus. Registration begins at 3 p.m. June 15th. Day campers and late arrivals may register at any time. Those not camping with us are invited to worship services at 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 1 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Overnight campers are requested to make a $40 donation to help with food and craft expenses; however, all are welcome whatever amount you can donate. For more information call Patsy Green 256-5570.
Highland Baptist VBS
Highland Baptist Church Vacation Bible School “Boomerang Express” will be held June 29-July 3 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more info, call (850) 587-5174.
Camp Quarternote
Highland Baptist Church will hold “Camp Quarternote” music camp July 13-17 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a “Race to Win” musical on Sunday July 19 at 6 p.m. $15 tuition includes camp t-shirt, daily lunches, cd and script. Registration deadline is July 5. For more info, call (850) 587-5174
First Baptist Cantonment VBS
The First Baptist Church of Cantonment will have the “Boomerang Express: It All Comes Back To Jesus” Vacation Bible School July 13-17 from 8:30 a.m. to noon for children 5 to fifth grade. Join us as we prepare to trek through the Land Down Under and discover how it all comes back to Jesus when we… follow Him, worship Him, confess Him, serve Him and obey Him. For more information, call (850) 968-9135.
First Baptist Cottage Hill VBS
Vacation Bible School at the First Baptist Church of Cottage Hill will be held July 20-24 from 6-8 p.m.
Victory Assembly Of God Kids Krusade
Victory Assembly of God in Molino will hold a Kids Krusade for grades K-5 July 20-24 from 9 a.m. to noon. Family night will be July 26 at 6:00. Refreshments provided. To register for “Wild Wood Forest – Discovering God’s Untamed Nature”, call (850) 587-2295 or visit victorycan.org.
Camp Edge VBS At Aldersgate UMC
Children 3 years to sixth grade are invited to a week of adventure and growing in God’s love at Camp EDGE (Experience + Discover God Everywhere). Camp EDGE will be August 3-7 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino. The first 50 early registrants will receive a special prize. More info: click here.
Cantonment Child Porn Suspect Released On $12,000 Bond
June 6, 2009
A Cantonment man was arrested Wednesday on charges of possessing and promoting child pornography — including images with children as young as two — was released on just just $12,000 bond.
Michael James Whaley of Trailwood Drive in Cantonment was taken into custody by law enforcement officers with the Attorney General’s CyberCrime Unit and the U.S. Marshall Service’s Fugitive Task Force on Wednesday.
Circuit Court Judge Joel Boles set Whaley’s bond at $10,000 on one count of promoting the sexual performance of a child, a second-degree felony, and $2,000 on two counts of possession of child pornography, a third-degree felony. Whaley is scheduled to be back in court for an arraignment hearing later this month.
A tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Cyber TipLine indicated Whaley, 34, had placed images of child pornography on a photo-sharing website. Investigators executed a search warrant at Whaley’s home in May and seized four computers as well as over 200 CDs and DVDs. Whaley admitted to possessing and uploading the images found on the photo-sharing site, some of which were of children no older than two years of age, according to the AG’s office. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the execution of the search warrant.
Century Care Residents Enjoy Puppet Show
June 6, 2009
The residents at Century Care Center enjoyed a puppet show from the Little Escambia Baptist Church recently.
“It was great,” said Mae Hildreth, activities coordinator at Century Care Center. “It was great! The residents and staff thoroughly enjoyed it. They promised to do a return engagement around the last of July.”
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Carver/Century K-8 Students Receive Awards
June 6, 2009
Today, NorthEscambia.com continues a series of stories with award listings from area schools. Today’s listing contains the names of some of the award winners and the eighth grade graduates from Carver/Century K-8 that received awards in ceremonies at the end of the year.
Academic Achievement
- Reading: Devon Cottrell, Skyler Macks and Izeyic Pfifer
- Personal Development: Hayley Blackmon
- Keyboarding: Kahlil Grice, Shaquanna Jones
- Computer Applications: Skyler Macks, Tyaisha Davison
- Most Improved in Reading: Damien Brown, Arkelle Elliott
The following students were in the eighth grade class at Carver/Century K-8 School: Jay Ates; Keairra Brown; LaPorsha Brown; Devon Cottrell; Jaquan Dale; Tyaisha Davison; Ashtin Dixon; Aradius Elliott; Arkelle Elliott; Tierra Floyd; Alisha Grice; Kahlil Grice; Blaze Harkness; Kateria Hoffman; Trevor Hubbard; Cordell Jackson; Shaquanna Jones; Te’Andreia Knight; La’Mikal Kyles; Skyler Macks; Chris Madison; Trevelle McWilliams; Demontra Mitchel; Jontashia Myles; Stetson Nash; Jamell Rivers; Deidre Steel; Talia Syria Dyshun White; Roderick Woods.
Plan Ahead: Blueberry Jamboree Next Weekend
June 6, 2009
Join NorthEscambia.com for the first annual Escambia County Blueberry Jamboree next Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Barrineau Park Community Center, 6055 Barrineau Park School Road in Molino. Hosted by the Escambia County Neighborhoods/Community Services Bureau and Escambia County Extension Services, the Blueberry Jamboree will be a nostalgic throwback to the old fashioned festivals of years past.
Celebrating locally grown blueberries and live bluegrass music, this free festival will feature contests in pie eating, blueberry spitting and bubble gum blowing. The Kids’ Zone will include bounce houses, face painting and educational games. For the athlete, a “Race for the Blueberries” 5K walk/run begins at 8 a.m. with gift baskets awarded to the winners in each category. To register for the 5K, visit the web site, www.blueberryjamboree.com.
Festival organizers are seeking participants for The Great Blueberry Bake-Off. Three categories are open to the public to compete for cash prizes: pies/cobblers, cakes and other assorted blueberry dishes. Registration is free and will be held from 8:30 to 10 a.m. A copy of the recipe must also be submitted. For details, visit the web site, www.blueberryjamboree.com.
For more information on any of the Blueberry Jamboree festivities, call Brandi Daigle at 475-5220 or Libbie Johnson, 475-5230.
The Blueberry Jamboree is sponsored in part by NorthEscambia.com.