Molino Utilities Considers Tap Fees To Cover Cost Of Growth, Including Possible Huge Woodland Park Development
July 18, 2023
Molino Utilities is considering impact fees that will offset the cost of infrastructure needed to provide water service for new developments, including the planned Woodland Park that would double or triple the population of the area.
The Woodland Park development, if completed, will add thousands of homes and nearly 100 acres of commercial development in a 1,500 acre area to the south and west of Highway 196 and Highway 29 — all in the rural Molino Utilities franchise area that currently has 2,400 customers.
Vernon Prather, president of Molino Utilities for the last two decades, said the development would require perhaps two new water wells and a large elevated storage tank. The cost for the utility, which normally adds just 30-40 homes per year, would reach an estimated $9 million or more.
“We as owners have an obligation to service them in the franchise,” Prather told the members of Molino Utilities. “I don’t believe we have an obligation to empty our pockets out in a fiscally irresponsible manner to fund any type of expansion.. ”
During a Molino Utilities board meeting and workshop Monday evening at the Barrineau Park Community Center, about 50 residents heard plans for an increased tap fee beginning at $2,200 per new residence. The current tap fee is around $1,200.
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“We are way too cheap,” Prather said. “That puts us more in line with the other utilities.”
In the case of Woodland Park, the tap fee would raise many millions toward the cost of the needed water wells and elevated storage tank without current customers footing the bill.
RELATED: ‘That Country Way Of Life’ — Residents Unite In Battle Against Big Molino Development
Molino Utilities constructed their fourth and most recent well on Gibson Road 23 years ago. If Woodland Park move forward, it is estimated that it would take two or three years to build the water wells and tank due to permitting and construction time.
Last week, the Escambia County Planning Board denied Exit 3 Investment’s Escambia County Sector Plan opt-out applications, and the investment company withdrew all rezoning requests. It is expected that Exit 3 will return at a future date with new plans for Woodland Park.
The Molino Utilities impact fee was not finalized Tuesday evening; the board will hold a vote at a future meeting.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Pictured: The Molino Utilities board of directors and their customers discussed growth issues Monday evening at the Barrineau Park Community Center. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge..
Kayaker Reported In Trouble On Escambia River; Flooding Closes Bluff Springs And Cotton Lake Recreation Areas
July 18, 2023
Authorities responded to reports of an overturned kayaker in trouble Monday on the Escambia River.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Bluff Springs Recreation area midday. We are told the kayaker was safely brought to shore.
The Bluff Springs and Cotton Lake recreation areas are both closed temporarily due to flooding, according to the Northwest Florida Water Management District.
According to the National Weather Service, the Escambia River was at above action stage Monday at about 13 feet and falling.
Pictured: The ECSO responded to the Bluff Springs Recreation Area to assist FWC with reports of a kayaker in trouble Monday. Photo by Cliff Rooker for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Community Action Head Start Hosting Family Fun Days In Molino And Century
July 18, 2023
The Community Action Program locations in Molino and Century will host fun days this week for families and friends.
The community will also have the chance to learn more about what the program offers.
The CAC-Molino Head Start program will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday behind the Molino Library.
The Century-CAC Head Start program starts at 10 a.m. Thursday at Showalter Park.
Pictured: The CAC-Molino Head Start Center at the Molino Community Center on Highway 95A. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
ECUA May End Free Curbside Recycling, Adding A Fee For Those That Recycle
July 18, 2023
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority may soon end free curbside recycling, instead charging an extra fee for those that wish to recycle.
“We are considering the possibility of different scenarios to encourage proper use of the recycling can,” ECUA Public Information Office Nathalie Bowers said.
The problem, she said, is contamination in the recycling stream — residents putting items that can’t be recycled in the ECUA program into the recycling can.
“The board will consider adding a fee for recycling,” she said. “They may also reduce the price of a second (regular sanitation) can, or potentially reduce the monthly bill for those without recycling and just one can . Or the board may come back with other possibilities.” The ECUA board will consider the options at their next meeting on July 25 with a final vote coming in August.
ECUA customers have had optional curbside recycling at no charge since 2009. The current recycling facility has been open since 2016.
RELATED: Here’s What To Recycle (And Not).
Florida, Alabama Troopers Kick Off ‘Operation Southern Slow Down’
July 18, 2023
The Florida Highway Patrol and Alabama State Troopers have kicked off “Operation Southern Slow Down,” a joint effort with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the other southern states of Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
All five states and local law enforcement agencies will conduct a week-long speed enforcement campaign. FHP will specifically focus on detecting and citing drivers for exceeding the posted speed limits across Florida’s interstate corridors.
“The Florida Highway Patrol will be working with our many dedicated law enforcement partners toward providing highway safety,” said Colonel Gary L. Howze, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Your FHP Troopers will be on patrol monitoring traffic for hazardous drivers and enforcing traffic laws along Florida’s state highways in support of Operation Southern Slowdown.”
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cottage Hill Water Works Issues Boil Water Notice For Phalrose Lane, Cooley Road
July 17, 2023
A precautionary boil water notice has been issued for Cottage Hill Water Works customers on Phalrose Lane and Cooley Road.
The boil water notice was issued following a water main break Monday.
The utility is advising, as a precaution, that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes be boiled. A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient. As an alternative bottled water may be used.
This precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected and a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink.
The boil water notice was issued following a water main break.
This story will be updated when the advisory has been lifted.
High Speed Fiber Internet Buildout Continues In North Escambia
July 17, 2023
Work is continuing on a high speed fiber internet network in North Escambia.
Escambia River Electric Cooperative (EREC) and partner Conexon Connect will bring internet speeds reaching 2 Gig up and down for $50 to $100 a month in EREC’s service footprint.
In late May, work started to pull the fiber cable out across the area from EREC’s Bratt Substation. Fiber cabinets have been installed at the Bratt and Oak Grove substations; they are large, free-standing, climate controlled cabinets that contain the necessary equipment to provide the internet service across the fiber network.
Batteries in the cabinets can keep the network powered for up to eight hours in the event of a power failure, and a generator can be used in a more extended outage. The remainder of the network in North Escambia is passive — no other power or equipment needed along the fiber to provide service.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Pictured: The installation of a fiber cabinet at the EREC Bratt Substation on Bratt Road. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Reminder: Food And Backpack Distribution Set For Saturday In Gonzalez
July 17, 2023
A food and school backpack distribution will be held Saturday, July 22 in Gonzalez.
The event begins at 8 a.m, with line up no earlier than 7:30 a.m., at the Gonzalez Methodist Church at 2026 Pauline Street. The event will continue while supplies last (a minimum of 300 families).
Rep. Michelle Salzman, the Gonzalez Methodist Church and other community partners are sponsoring the event, which is open to all in need with no eligibility requirements.
“We understand that going back to school is a struggle for many families, so during our Fall Food Distribution, we are also giving away backpacks, courtesy of Ascend Cares, State Farm Tyler Kercher, Kevin Stephens, and Jubilee Church. Along with our food distribution, we want our families to get a good start for the new school year,” Salzman said.
Pictured: A similar distribution was held last July at the Molino Community Center. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Seeks Volunteers For Merit System Protection Board
July 17, 2023
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking Escambia County residents interested in volunteering to be considered for appointment to the Escambia County Merit System Protection Board. Residents who wish to apply are asked to submit a resume and letter indicating their desire to serve by the close of business on July 21, 2023.
Two vacancies are available for the MSPB: one vacancy will be filled immediately following appointment by the Escambia County Commission, while the second vacancy will be filled effective October 1, 2023
Resumes should be submitted via email to boardapply@myescambia.com or mailed to:
Jose Gochez, Program Coordinator
Escambia County Board of County Commissioners
P.O. Box 1591
Pensacola, FL 32502
All submittals are subject to public records requests.
Gas Prices Drop A Few Cents On Average In Florida
July 17, 2023
Gas prices decreased a few cents on average last week in Florida.
The average price per gallon Sunday in Florida was $3.41, down from $3.46 last week, according to AAA. In Escambia County, the average per gallon was $3.20.
In North Escambia, a low of $2.98 was available at one station on Muscogee Road in Cantonment. In Pensacola several stations were below $3, including a low of $2.97 on Pine Forest Road.
Sunday’s state average remained below this year’s high of $3.72 per gallon.