Help Wanted: Century Needs To Find Two Residents To Fill Council Seats
November 26, 2022
The Century Town Council needs to fill two town council seats in a process that will begin playing out in January.
Seat 3 on the Century Town Council is currently vacant and will remain vacant until the start of a new term in January, at which time the council seat will remain, well, vacant, albeit maybe just for a few minutes while before a temporary appointee is named that might be forced to vacate the seat in a few weeks after an election to fill the vacancy for the next four years.
Confused? At times, the town has been confused too as they work to sort it all out.
On September 27, Seat 3 councilman Leonard White resigned just hours before a budget meeting, citing time constraints due to his job as correctional officer at the Century Correctional Institution.
That obviously leaves Seat 3, one of five seats on the council, vacant. Because there are less than six months remaining in White’s term, the town’s charter indicates that a replacement can’t be appointed unless the council loses additional members and their quorum.
Seat 3 held by White, Seat 4 currently held by James Smith, Jr., and Seat 5 held by Sandra McMurray Jackson were up for election this year. Jackson was the only candidate to qualify for Seat 5, so she was reelected automatically. No one qualified for Seat 3 or 4.
Due to a strange provision in the town’s charter that says new council members are to be sworn in on the first Monday of January, the council will meet on Monday January 2, despite it being both a federal and state holiday.
At that time, the council will swear in Jackson and appoint temporary members for Seats 3 and 4. Then, a special election will be held within 60 to 90 days later for two members to finish the remainder of the four year terms.
At this week’s council meeting, current council members Jackson, Luis Gomez, Jr. and Dynette Lewis expressed concerns about making sure they have a quorum of three present at every meeting for the rest of the year in order to conduct town business.
Smith was not present at the meeting where Gomez stated that another council member might resign soon.
The town is searching for two people to appoint to the council in January; interested citizens can contact town hall or council members Gomez, Jackson or Lewis.
Pictured top: (L-R) Century council members Sandra McMurray-Jackson, Luis Gomez, Jr., and Dynette Lewis at a meeting recently. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
One Shot In Drive-By At Escambia County Apartment Complex
November 26, 2022
One person was injured in a drive-by shooting Friday night at an Escambia County apartment complex.
It happened about 5:40 p.m. at the Moorings Apartments on Old Spanish Trail Road.
One person and four vehicles were hit by gunfire in the drive-by, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. An update on the victim’s condition has not been provided.
Friday night, the ESCO said no suspect has been identified as their investigation continued.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Tate High Alumni Group Donates To Community Food Pantry
November 26, 2022
Tate High School Alumni recently made a donation to the community food pantry at the Crossroads Thrift Store in Molino to benefit local families. Grace Paulchek (pictured left) presented the food on behalf of the alumni association. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Animal Shelter Offering ‘Home For The Holidays’ Adoption Specials
November 26, 2022
The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare is offering a “Home for the Holidays” adoption special now through December 31.
Anyone looking to adopt will be able to take home a cat or kitten for $10, or a dog or puppy for $25. Escambia County residents are also required to pay a separate $11 licensing fee at the time of adoption. Adoption fees include spay or neutering services, microchips, heartworm tests and the initial vaccinations including rabies vaccinations.
“Sending a pet home with its forever family during the holidays can be an incredible experience for the animal and the family,” said Animal Welfare Director John Robinson. “We hope you will open up your home to a pet for the holidays and beyond. If you can’t adopt right now, we encourage you to become a foster or volunteer this holiday season and help make a difference in the life of an animal.”
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center, located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive, is open Monday-Friday from 12-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The shelter is open regular hours today, November 25.
Flomaton Man Killed In Santa Rosa County Wreck
November 25, 2022
A Flomaton man was killed in an early morning wreck Friday in Santa Rosa County.
The 35-year old man was driving his pickup truck through a construction zone on Highway 90 near Woodbine Road where he collided with the end of a guardrail, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
There were no other people or vehicles involved.
Troopers said he was not wearing a seat belt.
File photo.
Woman, Dog Rescued After SUV Lands In The Trees In Wreck Near Century
November 25, 2022
A woman and her dog escaped serious injury when she crashed into a wooded area and her SUV became stuck in the trees several feet off the ground Friday morning.
The crash happened on West Highway 4 just west of Tedder Road. The woman was westbound on Highway 4 when she failed to negotiate a curve, ran off the roadway, struck a concrete ditch and went airborne into the woods. After shearing off a few small trees, the vehicle came to rest in the trees. The front of the SUV was resting nose-down on a small hill, while the rear of the SUV was some 6-8 feet off the ground, supported by several small trees.
Firefighters stabilized the vehicle and used the Jaws of Life to remove the driver’s side door. The woman was able to crawl out of the vehicle down a ladder and walk away from the wreck. Firefighters also rescued her dog from the SUV.
Both the woman and the dog did not have any apparent injuries. She was transported to Jay Hospital by a D.W. McMillan EMS unit from Flomaton.
For more photos, click or tap here.
The Century Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue and Engine 519 conducted the rescue.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Trial Date Set For Suspect Accused Of ‘Hunting, Shooting And Executing’ His Victim On Camera
November 25, 2022
A trial date has been set for a man accused of “hunting, shooting and executing” his victim on camera in Escambia County.
The first degree murder trial of 29-year old Jacob Monroe Colville is set to begin April 3, 2023. He was indicted in the shooting death of 26-year old Jesse Allen Geoghahan on October 29.
Alyssa Marie Blackburn and Lawrence Bonner, Jr. were both indicted for principal to first degree premeditated murder with a firearm in the case.
On October 29, the ECSO responded to the 1000 block of Medford Avenue where they found Geoghahan. with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Colville shot Geoghagan twice inside a closet, before shooting him a “few more times” as he limped out of the bedroom. A security system in the residence captured the murder.
For more details, click or tap here.
The three suspects remain in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Two Escambia 4-H Grilling Team Members Place At State Tailgating Contest
November 25, 2022
Two Escambia County teens placed in the 4-H Tailgating Contest recently at the UF/IFAS Animal Sciences Beef Unit at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
Brooke Hoomes placed third in the pork category, and Addie Manning placed second in shrimp. They both earned a $1,000 college scholarship.
Grilling participants competed in one of four categories: beef, pork, chicken and shrimp. Participants created table displays to show off their recipes and creativity and were judged on their grilling abilities. In addition, their knowledge was put to the test with questions from judges on food and fire safety as well as meat selections.
“4-H helps our youth gain the knowledge and skills they need for their future. Whether they are interested in science, technology, food or public speaking, we have projects that will benefit everyone and help them give back to their community,” said UF/IFAS Extension Escambia director Nick Simmons.
“The tailgating contest allowed them to think outside the box, but also taught them important food and fire safety rules. All Escambia County participants have learned so much from this competition and have taken home new skills to share with their families,” Simmons added.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Sailor Helps Prepare Thanksgiving Feast On USS Ronald Reagan
November 25, 2022
While many were celebrating Thanksgiving at home Thursday, military members from the area were serving their country around the world.
Culinary Specialist Seaman Irais Hoyle of Escambia County is pictured preparing dinner rolls in the bake shop for Thanksgiving dinner aboard the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Philippine Sea.
Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports Alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel G. Providakes for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
AAA Predicting Florida Thanksgiving Travel Will Be Busiest In Two Decades
November 25, 2022
AAA is forecasting that more than 2.9 million Floridians will travel 50 miles or more during this Thanksgiving holiday period — the busiest in nearly two decades. That’s 50,000 (2%) more Florida travelers than last year’s holiday and nearly 22,000 (0.74%) more than 2019.
In Florida, 2.7 million (91% of travelers) are expected to take a road trip; an increase of 28,000 people from last year’s holiday.
“Travel is still roaring back from the pandemic,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “While gas prices and other inflationary pressures weigh on budgets, travel remains a top priority for Americans, particularly during the holidays. Travel spending is at the highest level since the pandemic began, which is a driving force behind our projections this year. AAA expects busy roads and long lines at the airport, so leave early and be flexible with your travel plans.”