Escambia Approves Static Millage Rate, Defined As A Tax Increase, And $654.5 Million Budget
September 21, 2022
The Escambia County Commission Tuesday evening gave final approval to a static property tax rate for next fiscal year, which is defined by the state as a tax increase.
The final aggregate millage rate is 7.4679, which is not an increased millage rate but is a 13.20% increase over the rolled back rate of 6.5969 mills.
The rolled back rate is a computed millage rate that would generate the same amount of ad valorem tax dollars as the prior fiscal year, based on the proposed year’s tax roll, excluding new construction. A millage rate higher than the rolled-back rate is defined by the State of Florida as a tax increase and was advertised as such.
The county also adopted a budget of almost $654.5 million for the next fiscal year, which begins October 1. The new budget is 15.17% more than the current-year’s $568.26 million.
To read the budget summary, click or tap here.
Reminder: Wednesday Is An Early Release Day For Escambia Schools
September 21, 2022
Wednesday, September 21, is an early release day for public schools in Escambia County.
All schools will serve breakfast and lunch to students on the early release day. Regular modes of student transportation will be provided.
Other early release days this school year are scheduled for November 2, December 20, February 1 and May 23.
Early release days provide teachers and staff regular opportunities for professional development.
Release times are listed below. For additional information, contact your child’s school.
Atmore Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Alleged Drive-by Shooting
September 21, 2022
An Atmore man has been charged with attempted murder after an alleged drive-by shooting.
Eric Montrey Frye, 31, drove past a residence on Curtis Street and fired twice, according to the Atmore Police Department.
One of the victims followed Frye and provided an update on his location. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Frye’s vehicle, and he “made several evasive maneuvers and pulled into a driveway”, according to Atmore Police Sgt. Darrell McMann. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Police said a 9mm semi-automatic handgun was recovered from the vehicle.
Frye was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center without bond.
Century Proclamations Honor The Lives Of Willie Dortch And Regi Burkett
September 21, 2022
The Town of Century issued proclamations Tuesday night honoring the lives of two longtime residents that passed away recently after serving their community for decades.
Willie C. Dortch passed away September 10. A proclamation from Mayor Ben Boutwell described him as a “pillar” in the town. A heavy equipment operator by trade, he spent his own time and materials as groundskeeper at the Century Cemetery and worked to serve his community in any way that he could.
Regi Burkett passed away August 20. Burkett spent nearly 40 years in the fire service for his community, retiring as chief of the Century Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue. “Burkett’s fight for the people of the Town of Century was both resolute and uncompromising,” according to the mayor’s proclamation.
After accepting the proclamation, Burkett’s widow Ann said he dedicated his life “to getting everything the department needed, and the Town of Century and the surrounding communities what they needed in fire protection” while doing what he loved.
Pictured top: Regi Burkett’s widow Ann Burkett accepts a proclamation in his honor during a meeting of the Century Town Council Tuesday night. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Tate Volleyball Tops West Florida (With Gallery)
September 21, 2022
Tate High School volleyball defeated West Florida Tuesday night with the Aggies taking three of four sets.
The Lady Aggies also honored educators during a teacher appreciation night.
Up next, Tate will host Gulf Breeze Thursday night.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Photos by Matt Durham for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Registration Underway For Tri-City Children’s Choir
September 21, 2022
Registration is underway for the second season of the Tri-City Children’s Choir (TCCC), a regional initiative of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus.
TCCC welcomes young singers in grades 1-6 who reside in Century, Flomaton, Jay and the surrounding areas.
The choir will one again be under the direction of Holley Driver, a Century-based music teacher.
Singers will meet weekly on Thursdays from 4:30 until 5:15 p.m from October 6 to December 15 at Century First United Methodist Church, 530 Church Street. A performance is scheduled for December 16. TCCC is a tuition-based program and costs from $15 to $65 per week. Families may choose the weekly amount that works best for their household finances, and scholarships are also available.
For more information on joining the choir, or make a contribution, visit www.tricitychoir.org.
Driver directed the TCCC during their first season this past spring. She taught music in the Escambia County School District for over 15 years, served as the choral director at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino for nine years, and teaches in her own studio.
If you need more information, call Driver at (850) 324-6182.
Pictured: A May 2022 by the Tri-City Children’s Choir. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Truck Rolls Over On I-10
September 20, 2022
A driver received minor injuries when his truck and trailer overturned on I-10 Tuesday morning in Escambia County.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the 55-year old man from Atlanta was driving east on I-10 approaching the Highway 29 exit at 10:17 a.m. when he “failed to maintain single lane of travel and failed to use due care”. That caused his truck to drift off the interstate onto the shoulder of the roadway.
The load shifted, according to FHP, when the driver overcorrected, causing the truck to overturn.
I-10 was reopened by 11:40 a.m.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
One Transported After Highway 29, Tate School Road Wreck
September 20, 2022
A morning crash caused traffic delays on Highway 29 at Tate School Road Tuesday morning.
One person was transported by Escambia County EMS to an area hospital after the crash that heavily damaged two vehicles.
The Florida Highway Patrol investigated the crash and has not released additional information. The Cantonment Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Driver Crashes Through Fence, Into Tree On Molino Road
September 20, 2022
There were no injuries when a SUV crashed through a fence and into a tree Tuesday morning in Molino.
The single vehicle crash happened about 7:25 a.m. in the 900 block of Molino Road near Veazey Lane.
The driver refused EMS transport to the hospital.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Molino and Cantonment stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS responded.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Highway 95A Resurfacing Begins; New Traffic Pattern Recommended For Jim Allen Elementary Area
September 20, 2022
Work started Monday to resurface Highway 95A from Molino to Cantonment, and a new suggested traffic pattern will be introduced this week in an attempt to alleviate problems near Jim Allen Elementary School.
Highway 95A Resurfacing
Highway 95A is being milled and resurfaced by contractor Roads, Inc. from Highway 29 in Molino to the intersection with Highway 29 and Morris Avenue in Cantonment. The 9.16 mile, $2.1 million project will also include the shoulders and turn lanes.
“I’m so excited for the beginning of the much needed resurfacing of over 9 miles of Highway 95A from Molino all the way south to the heart of Cantonment,” Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said Monday.
Lane closures are planned from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m.
According to Escambia County, paving near Jim Allen Elementary on the southern end of the project is planned for Saturday, October 2 in order to not interfere with school traffic.
Weather permitting, the resurfacing should be completed by October 7. About two weeks later, final thermoplastic striping will be installed over the temporary paint striping.
Improving Jim Allen Elementary Traffic
Officials are hoping that a new suggested traffic pattern will alleviate big traffic problems near drop-off and dismissal times at Jim Allen Elementary School on Highway 95A.
As NorthEscambia.com reported in late August, vehicles line the side of the roadway waiting to turn into the school during car rider times, and vehicles travel on the shoulder to get around a backed up turn lane.
“We will have signage installed attempting to direct through, non-local, traffic away from the area in front of Jim Allen Elementary during the student drop-off times in the morning and student pick-up times in the afternoon. We are hoping all non-local traffic will utilize Neal Road and Highway 29 to make their way between Molino and Cantonment during these high congestion times in front of the school for the increased safety of all involved,” Barry said.
The signs asking drivers to use Neal Road, and avoid Jim Allen Elementary during peak times, are expected to be installed by the end of this week.
Pictured top: In late August, an Escambia School bus became stuck when attempting to pass traffic on the shoulder of Highway 95A near Jim Allen Elementary School. Pictured below: A dump truck passes traffic near the school. Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
