Century Moving Forward With Gomez’s Recommendation To Hire Town Manager
November 10, 2023
The Town of Century is moving forward with negotiations to hire a town manager.
Howard Brown, Jr., principal of the Local Government Consulting Group of West Palm Beach was one of four that responded to the town’s request for proposals for a town manager months ago.
The town accepted the proposals after newly appointed Century interim Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. told the council that he would need help to properly run the town.
“I know that I am in over my head, but I don’t want the town of Century to suffer due to my lack of experience in this position,” Gomez told his town council a few minutes after he was sworn in in late August.
Howard’s proposal states that he “has served as a City Manager with a national perspective, having successfully managed municipalities across the country.” and “My municipal government experience spans a diverse range of communities, including urban, rural, and suburban areas,”. His experience included village manager in Indiantown, Florida, city manager in Bell, CA, Muscokogee, OK, and of Opa-Locka, FL.
Brown told the council that he is a native of Escambia County, Florida.
Months ago, Gomez asked the town council to consider contracting with consultant Robert Thompson of DeFuniak Springs, who he said was recommended by the Florida League of Cities. However, Thompson later accepted a job in Arkansas.
Gomez introduced Brown during a council meeting Tuesday night, telling the council that it was critical that quick action be taken to bring a town manager on board. He then pushed for Thursday night’s fast special meeting, less than 48 hours later, in order to hire Brown.
Florida’s Sunshine Law states “special meetings should have no less than 24 and preferably at least 72 hours reasonable notice to the public”. Otherwise, “except in the case of emergency or special meetings, notice should be provided at least 7 days prior to the meeting”.
The town was set to post the notice at town hall and on the town’s website.
The Sunshine Law also states, “The use of press releases, faxes, e-mails, and/or phone calls to the local news media is highly effective in providing notice of upcoming meetings.” The town on Wednesday provided NorthEscambia.com with a notice concerning a street closure upcoming on Saturday, but did not provide any notice of the special council meeting.
During Thursday’s special meeting, the council gave no consideration to any of the other applicants.
The council voted to allow Gomez and the town attorney to enter into negotiations with Brown.
Volunteers Needed For Escambia County Extension Council
November 9, 2023
Escambia County is seeking residents interested in volunteering to be considered for an appointment to the Escambia County Extension Council for zones 4, 5, 7 and 8.
Escambia County residents interested in serving on the Escambia County Extension Council, who meet the requirements noted in the job description below, are asked to submit an information sheet and letter indicating their desire to serve by 5 p.m., Friday, November 26. Info sheets and letters should be submitted via email to shendrix@ufl.edu or by mail to:
Susan Hendrix
3740 Stefani Road
Cantonment, FL. 32533
The zones are as follows:
Zone 4 — South side of Gibson Road at Highway 97 to north side of Molino Road
Zone 5 — North side of Quintette Road to south side of Molino Road
Zone 7 — Nine Mile Road to Kingsfield Road
Zone 8 — At Large
Ransom Middle School Placed On Lockdown Due to ‘Rumored Social Media Threats’
November 9, 2023
Ransom Middle School was placed on a precautionary lockdown Thursday morning.
“We are aware of the “rumored social media” threats made to area middle schools. These rumored threats were determined not to be credible,” the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said.
The ECSO confirmed that no guns were found at any school.
Building Chance Of Rain Friday Afternooon Into Friday Evening
November 9, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast
Friday: Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 75. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday Night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 62. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Veterans Day: Showers likely, mainly before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 71. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: Showers likely, mainly after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 59. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 69. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Northeast wind around 10 mph.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Northeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 71.
Local Unemployment Rate Up Slightly
November 9, 2023
Gov. Ron DeSantis said recently that Pensacola area’s labor force increased by 7,336 in September 2023, a 3.1 percent increase over the year. The Pensacola area’s private sector employment increased by 2,800 jobs, an increase of 1.7 percent over the year in September 2023.
The Escambia County unemployment rate increased slightly from 3.1% to 3.2%, according to data released Friday by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
TThe Pensacola area unemployment rate was 3.1 percent in September 2023, up 0.4 percentage point from 2.7 percent from one year ago in September 2022. The industries gaining the most jobs over the year were education and health services, increasing by 2,500 jobs; and leisure and hospitality, increasing by 1,400 jobs.
The Pensacola area unemployment rate was 3.1 percent in September 2023, up 0.4 percentage point from 2.7 percent from one year ago in September 2022. The industries gaining the most jobs over the year were education and health services, increasing by 2,500 jobs; and leisure and hospitality, increasing by 1,400 jobs.
County Seeks Volunteers for Contractor Competency Board
November 8, 2023
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking Escambia County residents interested in volunteering to serve on the Escambia County Contractor Competency Board (CCB). Two applicants will be appointed for service beginning in January 2024.
The duties of the CCB include accepting contractor applications, administering contractor examinations, and issuing and recording Certificates of Competency and renewals; making an annual report; investigating complaints against contractors; and presiding over contractor disciplinary proceedings. CCB members serve a three-year term and meet the first Wednesday morning of every month for approximately two hours. Members receive $50 per meeting as compensation for their services.
CCB members are appointed from certain representative segments of citizens and professions, including contractors, design professionals, business persons, and lay persons. The Board of County Commissioners is currently seeking a lay consumer member.
A lay consumer member shall not at the time of appointment be, and shall have never previously been, a member or practitioner of a profession regulated by the board or a member of any closely related profession. The term “member of any closely related profession” includes but is not limited to carpenters, painters, certified building inspectors, commercial construction supervisors, interior designers/decorators, fencers, landscapers, building material suppliers, and construction quality managers.
Escambia County residents interested in serving on the CCB are asked to submit a resume and cover letter to Jennifer Hampton, Director’s Aide, Building Services Department, 3363 West Park Place, Pensacola, Florida, 32505 or jahampton@myescambia.com by the close of business on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.
Ribbon Cut On New Navy Federal Recreation Center
November 8, 2023
Navy Federal Credit Union celebrated the completion of its most recent addition with a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday The Navy Federal Recreation Center, which is located on the west side of Navy Federal’s Beulah Campus along Nine Mile Road, will be ready for team members and the community to enjoy on Monday, November 13th.
“It is an honor to have this opportunity to give back to the community at large, and we are thankful for the partners and local leaders who helped us make this happen, many of whom have been invited to join us for the ribbon cutting,” said Kara Cardona, executive vice president of Navy Federal’s Greater Pensacola Operations. “To provide an outdoor area for our employees and the community to exercise, go for a walk, or find a place to reflect during the day, gives me great joy. The opening of the Recreation Center is the perfect way to commemorate our 20 years as Greater Pensacola Operations. We started with 30 employees and have grown to nearly 10,000.
For more photos, click or tap here.
The Navy Federal Recreation Center offers a variety of ways for people to enjoy the outdoors. The facility features walking trails, recreation fields, a basketball court, a volleyball court, pickleball courts, yoga space, a pavilion, and open spaces.
Navy Federal purchased the property in 2019 with a focus on facilitating quality-of-life improvements, amenities, and job growth. Navy Federal committed to the creation of 300 new jobs (fulfilled in 2021) and also agreed to provide public access to the recreation area.
“We can’t wait to see our employees and community members using our Recreation Center,” said Chelsea Scott, recreation center manager at Navy Federal. “Our walking trails and open spaces will be available for use during the park’s operating hours of 6 am to 9 pm daily. The public will have the ability to reserve specific amenities during the evenings and weekends in the coming weeks.”
A Recreation Center website where members of the community will be able to reserve areas of the Recreation Center will be available to the public in early December. Reservable areas will include the pavilion, multipurpose field, basketball court, volleyball court, pickleball courts, and a variety of lawns.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Rotary Presents ‘Service Above Self’ Award To Packy Mitchell
November 8, 2023
Wednesday, the Cantonment Rotary Club presented the “Service Above Self” award to Packy Mitchell, a long time Cantonment area resident. Michell has helped with the Miracle League, Tate High School athletics and his church. Pictured (L-R) Cantonment Rotary President Dustin Vaughn, Packy Mitchell, Tim Godwin and Jim Prim. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Incumbent Chris Jones Prefiles For Another Term As Escambia County Property Appraiser
November 8, 2023
Incumbent Chris Jones prefiled Wednesday as a candidate for Escambia County Property Appraiser Jones prefiled as a Decmocrat for the 2024 election.
Escambia County Partners with Waterfront Rescue For Community Cold Weather Shelter
November 8, 2023
Escambia County has partnered with Waterfront Rescue Mission to establish a consistent cold weather sheltering plan for the community, providing free shelter options for men, women and children to stay during cold weather events.
Through the partnership, Waterfront Rescue Mission will be the central receiving point for anyone in need of emergency shelter when the temperature drops to 40 degrees or less. Waterfront will coordinate with other partner agencies including ReEntry Alliance Pensacola to ensure anyone needing cold weather shelter can be accommodated.
Escambia County and Waterfront Rescue Mission hosted a Cold Weather Community Forum today, Wednesday, Nov. 8, at the Waterfront Rescue Mission facility, providing an opportunity for productive conversation between community partners. Approximately 60 people attended the forum, including representatives from shelters, homeless outreach organizations, local law enforcement, and numerous community partners working together to address cold weather sheltering needs in Escambia County.
“Extreme cold weather can impact anyone, including children and families who are living in their car or in a tent, with little to no protection from the cold,” Escambia County Emergency Manager Travis Tompkins said. “Our goal through this partnership is to provide shelter from the cold to anyone in our community who needs it, regardless of their life circumstances. We greatly appreciate Waterfront for approaching Escambia County about working together to establish a plan for more consistent cold weather sheltering in our community.”
During declared cold weather events, men can stay at Waterfront Rescue Mission at no charge, and Waterfront will work with REAP to house women and children overnight. If no accommodation can be made, Waterfront will still shelter anyone during cold weather emergencies.
Waterfront Rescue Mission also operates as a Day Resource Center Monday-Friday under normal circumstances, but it will be open 24 hours a day during cold weather events to serve as a warming center for anyone who needs to get out of the cold.
“I am grateful to God, He has given Waterfront the resources to shelter people in our community,” Waterfront President Clay Romano said. “Our goal is to work in cooperation with other service providers to ensure that people are safe during cold weather events.”
Escambia County and Waterfront Rescue Mission are seeking volunteers willing to assist with shelters during cold weather events, along with donations such as blankets, jackets, socks and more.