Pickleball Court, Street Paving, Christmas Decorations — Century Discusses How To Spend ARPA Funds
December 6, 2022
A pickleball court for Century? Well, maybe.
Pickleball is a sport that combines the elements of tennis, ping-pong, and tennis. It’s a fast growing sport, and municipalities across the country are building courts or repurposing old tennis courts for a relatively low cost.
And that’s what Century may do with an unused tennis court at Showalter Park.
Century was awarded over $924,000 American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds from the federal government. Monday night, the town council met in a workshop to discuss some possible uses for the money.
Discussions included the pickleball court and other improvements like scoreboards and new playground equipment for three ballparks.
Other items discussed included:
- Town hall — $71,000 for flooring, furniture, laptops and finally upgrading their Microsoft Office licenses from Office 2010 to Office 2021. (Support for Office 2010 ended in October 2020, per Microsoft.)
- Tablets for workers in the field for use with utility mapping software for about $1,612 for five.
- $15,000 digital sign at the town hall entrance, with the West Florida Libraries contributing half of the cost
- Utility projects
- Street paving
- American flags for utility poles
- New Christmas decorations
The ARPA money is not sufficient to cover a needed bridge repair on Freedom Road. Mayor Ben Boutwell noted that he is looking at other funding sources.
For about $200,000 of the funds, the town already approved the purchase of wastewater equipment including a vacuum trailer, bypass pump, a water pump and a “jetter trailer” with sewer machine and camera system. A jetter trailer uses high pressure water to clear sewage blockages.
Monday night’s meeting was a discussion-only workshop. Any purchases will be approved at future meetings.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Flomaton Woman Charged In 2019 Century Burglary
December 6, 2022
A Flomaton woman was recently arrested on charges related to a 2019 burglary in Escambia County, Florida.
Amanda Inez Pugh, 36, was charged with burglary, criminal mischief with property damage and grand theft.
She allegedly burglarized a residence on Buck Smith Road near Century by removing a window air conditioner. Once inside, she took a large plastic container filled with about $1,000 in coins, and she damaged an exterior door knob and a pickup truck parked on the property, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.
Pugh remained in the Escambia County Jail Tuesday morning with bond set at $35,000.
What You Need To Know: Northview State Championship Game, Tickets
December 6, 2022
The Northview Chiefs (13-0) will face Hawthorne (11-0) in the state 1R championship game.
Here’s the info game you need to know:
- When: Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. (EST)
- Where: Gene Cox Stadium, 601 Paul Russell Road, Tallahassee
- Tickets: $14 in advance, $17 the day off, plus convenience fee. $2 cost of parking is included at the ticket. Purchase only at GoFan. Under age 3 is free.
- Weather: Saturday: Sunny, 74. Saturday night: Partly cloudy, low 54. Sunday: Mostly sunny, 20% rain, high 71.
Look for more pre-game coverage this week on NorthEscambia.com, plus post-game coverage beginning Sunday.
Ransom Middle School Names Students Of The Month
December 6, 2022
Ransom Middle School recently announced their Students of the Month for October. They are Tresten Burgans and Lilah Coleman. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two Killed In Two Vehicle, Four Semi Wreck In Escambia County, Alabama
December 6, 2022
Two people died in a crash involving two vehicles and three tractor-trailers on I-65 northeast of Atmore on Friday.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency on Monday released details on the wreck on Friday, December 2.
Jewell W. Smith, 57, and her passenger, 36-year old Johnny W. Smith, were pronounced deceased at the scene after their 2009 Ford Escape was struck in the rear by a 2015 International tractor-trailer driven by Kevin L. Turner, 56, of Citronelle.
After the initial collision, the Ford Escape was pushed forward into a 2012 Mazda Miata driven by Kenneth M. Queen, 60, of Opp. The 2015 International then struck a 2018 Kenworth tractor-trailer driven by Jose M. Reyna, 43, of Mexico. After striking the Kenworth, the International then hit a 2018 Volvo tractor-trailer driven by Omonjod Mahmudov, 46, of Pikesville, Maryland. The 2018 Kenworth then struck a 2023 Kenworth tractor-trailer driven by Yanira I. Molina, 40, of Orlando, Fla.
The crash occurred on Interstate 65 near the 63 mile marker, or about six miles from the Atmore exit at Highway 21.
The investigation is continuing.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Molino Recreation Baseball, Softball Registration Open
December 6, 2022
Registration is now open for the Molino Recreation Association at Don Sutton Park for the 2023 baseball, softball, and t-ball seasons.
To register, click or tap here.
Registration is open through January 10 for softball and January 22 for baseball and t-ball on a first come, first available basis.
The baseball draft is January 24-27 and practice begins January 30. Opening day is March 4 and games end on May 5.
Love For Dogs: Cantonment Woman Gifts Her Home To Benefit ECSO K-9s
December 5, 2022
Claudia Van Gee devoted her life to dogs.
And the Cantonment woman’s true love for canines will continue long after she’s gone.
Van Gee has decided to leave her home and property to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Foundation to benefit ECSO’s K-9 unit for years to come.
She is a retired dog obedience competitor with a career spanning a period of 42 years.
Here’s how she explains her gift, in her own words:
I worked with a lab mix, Alaskan malamutes, golden retrievers, rottweilers, Shetland sheepdogs and border collies in obedience and tracking, showing in New England, Oregon, California, Washington, Canada and the greater Florida area.
“I am bequeathing my homestead to the ECSO K9 unit to give back to the community. Because dogs have a sense of smell estimated at over 100,000 times more powerful than a human, are said to have a wider field of vision, giving them better motion detection, have a strong sense of attachment to their handlers and are willing partners to whatever we ask of them. What better being to have by your side as a law enforcement official? Oh, and though no dog is faster than a speeding bullet, they can still outrun most humans.”
The 3,287 square foot home is located on about 1.4 acres on Pine Forest Road south of West Roberts Road.
“Ms. Van Gee, your generosity towards and appreciation for the work of the Sheriff’s Office and their K9 unit is unparalleled and words will never be able to convey our appreciation,” the foundation said.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
United Way of West Florida Names Certified Partner Agencies
December 5, 2022
United Way of West Florida approved 45 local nonprofit agencies as Certified Partners for the next year. Those agencies are now eligible to apply for funding from United Way of West Florida in January of 2023.
“We want to thank our volunteers who helped us during certification,” said Mary Zaledonis, United Way of West Florida director of Community Impact. “This is a vital step in our funding process. Becoming certified confirms that an organization has been thoroughly vetted and meets United Way of West Florida’s standards for transparency, financial health, and governance.”
Agencies must reapply for certification every year. Certification does not guarantee funding for an agency.
2022-23 Certified Partner Agencies
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida Inc.
- Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast Inc.
- Bright Bridge Ministries
- Capstone Adaptive Learning and Therapy Centers Inc.
- Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida Inc.
- CDAC Behavioral Healthcare Inc.
- Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida Inc.
- Central Gulf Coast CDF Freedom Schools
- Children in Crisis
- Children’s Home Society of Florida
- Community Organizations Active in Disaster Inc.
- Council on Aging of West Florida Inc.
- Covenant Hospice Foundation Inc.
- E-Comfort Inc.
- Embrace Florida Kids
- Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Inc.
- Epilepsy Florida Inc.
- Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County
- Early Learning Coalition of Santa Rosa County
- Family Promise of Escambia County
- FavorHouse of Northwest Florida Inc.
- Feeding the Gulf Coast
- Goodwill Industries of the Gulf Coast Inc.
- Gulf Coast Kid’s House Inc.
- Harvest Community Outreach
- Health and Hope Clinic Inc.
- Horizons of Okaloosa County Inc.
- James B Washington Education and Sports, Inc.
- Lakeview Center Inc.
- Legal Services of North Florida Inc.
- Lutheran Services Florida Inc.
- Manna Food Bank Inc.
- Pace Center for Girls Inc.
- Pensacola Children’s Chorus
- Pensacola Habitat for Humanity Inc.
- Pregnancy Resource Center Navarre
- ReadyKidsFL
- Re-Entry Alliance Pensacola Inc.
- Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida Inc.
- Santa Rosa Kids’ House Inc.
- The Arc Gateway, Inc.
- United Ministries Inc.
- Valerie’s House Inc
- Waterfront Rescue Mission Inc.
- YMCA of Northwest Florida
A Christmas Miracle: The Miracle League’s Annual Christmas Party
December 5, 2022
Santa visited with Miracle League players at their Christmas party at Tate High School Friday night.
Tate High student organizations and volunteers came together to put on the party, including the Beta club.
“This is a shout-out to Beta Club at Tate for hosting their annual Christmas for our players at MLP. For years they have made this event so special for our athletes as well as hosting a Trunk or Treat and serving as buddies for us throughout the years,” Shirley Godwin of the Miracle League said.
The Miracle League players were able to visit Santa, enjoy dinner, watch a special performance and more.
For more photos, click to tap here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Advisories
December 5, 2022
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – The front parking lot is temporarily closed as crews work to resurface the pavement. The other parking areas remain open. Temporary sidewalk modifications are also in place while work is underway.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, Dec. 4 through Saturday, Dec. 10 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to perform miscellaneous construction activities on the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- Pace Boulevard from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and sidewalk closures on Pace Boulevard and side streets between Barrancas Avenue and North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Sunday, Dec. 4 through Thursday, Dec. 8 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations. The work will allow crews to perform paving operations, as well as sidewalk and curb improvements. Pedestrians will be detoured to the signalized intersections to access the sidewalks on the other side of Pace Boulevard.
- East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) from Chemstrand Road to East of Baldridge Drive – The bicycle lanes are temporarily closed to allow crews to widen the turn lanes and construct new five-foot bicycle lanes. In addition, the speed limit on this section of East Nine Mile Road has been reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph as vehicles and bicycles will share the roadway. The closure and speed limit reduction will be in place until the project is complete next summer.
- Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29) from Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) to North of I-10 – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, Dec. 4 through Thursday, Dec. 8 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews pave the roadway.
- Lillian Highway (S.R. 298), from North of U.S. 98 to East of Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727) and Lillian Highway at Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) - Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Lillian Highway between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway Sunday, Dec 4 through Friday, Dec. 9 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. for drainage improvements and erosion control operations.
- Sorrento Road Resurfacing from the Theo Baars Bridge to Bauer Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures and lane shifts at the Sorrento Road and Bauer Road intersection beginning Monday, Dec. 5 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews install drainage pipe. In addition, daytime shoulder closures will continue through Saturday, Dec. 10.
- West Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) Turn Lane Construction at the new Cefco – Drivers will encounter intermittent outside westbound lane closures near Memphis Avenue Tuesday, Dec. 6 through Friday, Dec. 16 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operations.
- Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) Routine Maintenance near Sharon Lane – Drivers will encounter intermittent outside southbound lane closures Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for drainage operations.
- U.S. 98 (Navarre Parkway) Turn Lane Construction at the new Publix – Drivers will encounter intermittent outside westbound lane closures near Rosewood Avenue Monday, Dec. 5 through Thursday, Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for paving operations.
Santa Rosa County:
- Stewart Street (S.R. 87) City of Milton Christmas Parade – Drivers will encounter road closures from Cedar Street to Park Avenue Saturday, Dec. 3 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the Milton Christmas Parade.
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, Dec. 4 through Saturday, Dec. 10 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to perform miscellaneous construction activities on the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River - Construction crews have temporarily shifted eastbound traffic to the westbound bridge over Simpson River. The shift is expected to be in place through March 2023. During this time, there will be two westbound lanes and one eastbound travel lane using the westbound bridge. Due to the traffic shift, there will not be dedicated bike lanes on the bridge. Drivers are urged to use extra caution as they will be temporarily sharing the bridge with cyclists. Drivers are also reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Point Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between S.R. 281 and Bayshore Road Sunday, Dec. 4 through Friday, Dec. 9 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- Settlers Colony Boulevard will remain closed to complete necessary drainage improvements. Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians will access Settlers Colony Boulevard via Venetian Way and Coronado Drive. Detour signs will be in place. Residents may experience noise, vibrations, and dust during daytime hours as part of this drainage improvement effort.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.