Childers Lawsuit Dismissed In Fight Over Escambia Retirement Plan
July 6, 2022
A judge has ruled in favor of Escambia County in a countersuit by Escambia County Clerk Pam Childers over a retirement plan involving commissioners that does not cost the taxpayers anything.
Childers and the Escambia County Commission are battling over whether the county’s 401(a) annuity plan is in fact legal for elected officials and senior management. In late July 2021, Childers asserted that the state has told her that the county’s 401(a) annuity plan is illegal.
Okaloosa County Circuit Court Judge William Stone found that Childers’ suit is “almost wholly duplicative” of the lawsuit filed first by the BOCC against the clerk.
Childers claimed that as auditor of county funds, she is required by law to refuse to process an unlawful payment. She stopped making retirement plan payments for Commissioners Steven Barry, Robert Bender and Lumon May in January 2022 and sought an order requiring the commissioners to return previous payments.
The county, however, has asserted the plan is legal and Childers must disburse funds as lawfully directed.
The ruling dismissing Childers’ lawsuit means Escambia County’s lawsuit will move forward in ultimately deciding the issue.
“In the pleadings and arguments regarding this case the parties have spent a lot of time addressing personal and political disagreements, which from this Court’s disimpassioned analysis, are not germane to resolving the legal issues presented in this case,” Stone wrote. “At the heart of this controversy is the legal question of whether the County’s local retirement plan is unlawful as to elected officials.”
401(a) Annuity Program
It’s called a 401(a) annuity program, and under state statute was offered only to senior management service employees and commissioners that opt out of the Florida Retirement System (FRS). It’s available statewide, not just in Escambia County.
The plan does not cost Escambia County taxpayers anything extra when contributions are made in a timely fashion; the employee contributions are exactly the same whether or not the money goes into FRS or the annuity program. FRS has significant administrative overhead and fund liability that is funded from employee contributions. The 401(a) annuity plan participant costs are lower, so participants can earn significantly more retirement dollars.
Escambia County has offered a 401(a) annuity program to senior management employees and elected officials since 1997.
Teen Accidently Shot Himself At Dogwood Park Home, ECSO Says
July 6, 2022
A 17-year accidently shot himself in the leg early Wednesday morning in Dogwood Park, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The teen was at a party on Chaudron Road when he attempted to remove a gun from his pants pocket and it discharged, according to ECSO Sgt. Melony Peterson.
Someone drove the teen north on Highway 97 to the Walnut Hill Fire Station where an ambulance was stationed about 4:45 a.m.. He was transported by Escambia County EMS to a Pensacola hospital. He is expected to make a full recovery.
Peterson said it was unclear why the teen had the gun, but no disturbance was reported at the Chaudron Road home.
NorthhEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Century Extends Rent-Free Ride In Town Building For Startup Transportation Company
July 6, 2022
A startup transportation company will continue their rent-free ride in a building owned by the Town of Century for another three months.
In late April, the council approved a zero dollar, three month lease for space in the Century Business Center with Metro Rapid Transport and their for profit non-emergency medical and other transportation service business. That lease is set to expire July 20.
Tuesday night, the council voted 5-0 to extend the agreement by three months to October 20. The town will revisit the lease before it ends and consider options going forward; there is not an automatic renewal or extension. During their use of the town’s building, Metro Rapid is responsible for utility costs.
Metro Rapid officials requested the additional three months as they continue to work toward a positive cash flow.
Town Attorney Matt Dannheisser stated in an email before the first lease was signed that he was instructed to refrain from including any requirement that the principal owners of Metro Rapid personally guarantee the rent and other obligations. The town has not conducted any due diligence into the company’s owners.
“Please recognize that because Metro Rapid is a new company (having been formed in Dec. 2021), it may have little assets. Correspondingly, in the event of breach of any terms of the lease (including, for example, breach of insurance or indemnification requirements of Sections 11 and 12), the Town may have difficulty effectively enforcing its rights under the lease,” Dannheisser warned.
Under the lease, Metro Rapid accepted the premises “as is” with the town having no responsibility for any repairs or alterations.
Metro Rapid also has nonexclusive right to use the paved parking surfaces and driveway. The lease also allows the company to use a portion of the property to the east of the Century Business Center as a bus parking area, but the buses and other vehicles are not allowed at the Century Business Center at any time. Their use is limited to overnight and temporary parking of less than 12 hours. They are not allowed to make any repairs or service the vehicles on the property.
Pictured: Metro Rapid Transportation officials address the Century Town Council Tuesday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Bank Robbery Suspect Arrested In Santa Rosa County
July 6, 2022
The man accused of robbing a bank in Pensacola on Tuesday was arrested early Wednesday morning in Santa Rosa County.
Robert Gentry Rhodes, 57, was initially charged with vehicle theft, drug possession and smuggle contraband and booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail.
Pensacola Police said Rhodes robbed the Truist Bank across from Walmart on Creighton Road.
After the robbery, police said he may have been driving a stolen 1985 Mercedes 300D with Florida tag IP9831 (pictured below). The stolen vehicle has been recovered.
No other details have been released.
United Way Announces Nearly A Half Million Dollars In Grant Awards
July 6, 2022
United Way of West Florida recently awarded nearly a half million dollars in grants to 25 local nonprofit agencies in support of 29 programs through the organization’s Community Investment Process. Programs operated by these agencies provide critical services to individuals and families across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in the areas of education, financial stability, and health.
The $480,000 in grants were awarded through a competitive process. Community volunteers spent months reviewing applications and listening to presentations from applicants before making recommendations to United Way of West Florida’s Board of Directors for final approval.
“I appreciate all the volunteers who worked so hard during this process,” said Todd Phillips, chair of the Community Impact Committee and manager, Mortgage Loan Operations and Real Estate Lending at Navy Federal Credit Union. “While we wish we had the funding to give grants to all the programs, we have to make tough decisions every year. Our community is fortunate to have so many incredible nonprofits.”
“This year was especially tough,” said Laura Gilliam, United Way of West Florida president and CEO. “We’ve seen a decline in fundraising revenue, made worse by the pandemic. We are very thankful for the organizations and individuals who continue to support United Way of West Florida, whose generosity makes these grants possible.”
Grants were awarded as follows:
EDUCATION AWARDS – $163,563
Autism Pensacola
Kids for Camp Summer Learning Lab
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida
Beyond Walls
Serving Escambia County
Boys and Girls Club of the Emerald Coast
Academic Success
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Capstone Adaptive Learning & Therapy Centers
Behavioral ABCs
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Children’s Home Society of Florida
teenspace
Serving Escambia County
Council on Aging West Florida
Foster Grandparent Program
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
James B. Washington
Tutoring Towards Tomorrow
Serving Escambia County
Pace Center for Girls
Girls Earning Diplomas (GED) Program
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
ReadyKids!
ReadingPals
Serving Escambia County
YMCA
Yreads
Serving Escambia County
FINANCIAL STABILITY AWARDS – $101,106
Bright Bridge Ministries
His Place Shelter
Serving Escambia County
Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida
Emergency Assistance Program
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
FavorHouse of Northwest Florida
Financial Stability Program for Domestic Violence Victims
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Feeding the Gulf Coast
Mobile Pantry Program
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Legal Services of North Florida
Independence for Dependent and Homeless Youth
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Legal Services of North Florida
Veterans Legal Assistance
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
HEALTH AWARDS – $215,331
The ARC Gateway
Pearl Nelson Center Early Intervention
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Bright Bridge Ministries
Hot, Healthy Meals
Serving Escambia County
Capstone Adaptive Learning & Therapy Centers
Essential Health Access
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Council on Aging of West Florida
Nutrition Program
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Council on Aging of West Florida
Senior Companion Program
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Ecomfort Inc.
Soup Kitchen
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Gulf Coast Kid’s House
Advocacy for Victims of Abuse
Serving Escambia County
Health and Hope Clinic
Access to Care
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Lutheran Services Florida
Sexual/Physical Abuse Treatment Program
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Northwest Florida Community Outreach
Supporting Our Seniors (SOS)
Serving Escambia County
OASIS Florida
Mobile Outreach Program
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Santa Rosa Kid’s House
Trauma-Focused Therapy
Serving Santa Rosa County
Valerie’s House
No Child Grieves Alone
Serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
Cantonment Man Charged After Alleged Road Rage Incident
July 6, 2022
A Cantonment man is facing charges after an alleged road rage incident.
Marvin Eugene Darby, 27, was charged with second degree felony throwing deadly missiles at an occupied vehicle and first degree misdemeanor criminal mischief.
A Florida Highway Patrol trooper was sitting at the intersection of Pensacola Boulevard when he observed a Chevy Trax driven by Darby and a pickup truck sitting nearby. The trooper said Darby exited his vehicle and began hitting on the hood of the pickup truck. Darby was taken into custody by FHP and turned over to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The victim said he was traveling to church with his 5-year old daughter and exited I-110 onto Airport Boulevard. At the intersection of Airport and Palafox Street, Darby allegedly threw an object which struck the pickup truck’s passenger door, near where the child was sitting. Darby continued to drive aggressively, forcing the pickup in to the median, an arrest report states, before Darby thew another object at the truck which hit the passenger window.
The victim could not identify the objects thrown at his vehicle, but described them as “large and black”. A deputy noted small dents and scratches to the passenger door of the victim’s truck.
Darby told the deputy that it was his accuser that threw objects at his Chevy Trax. The deputy observed pre-existing damage on Darby’s vehicle that had touch-up paint on it.
Darby was released on a $7,500 bond.
As Fireworks Boomed, Volunteers Read Books To Animal Shelter Cats And Dogs
July 6, 2022
While the fireworks were booming across Escambia County for Independence Day, the canines and felines at the Escambia County Animal Shelter were enjoying the company of volunteers and a good book.
The 2022 Tales for Tails event saw volunteers spend Monday night reading or just chatting with the dogs and puppies and cats and kittens who were comforted by a good story. Or just hearing someone that took the night to talk to them, show them that they care.
They were not alone as the sky booms echoed. They were not afraid. They were brave, thanks to their friends.
The words didn’t necessarily matter, but a “good boy” or “good girl”…wow, that means the world to a shelter resident.
Tails wagged in the doggie kennel, and there were more than a few purrs in the shelter’s Catnip Café. It was good for the animals, whether they were of the cat, dog or human species. You could tell by the smiles; it was a great way for animal lovers to celebrate the night of the Fourth. If you looked, you could see the smiles on doggie and kitty faces too.
And then there was Mallory McIver. She captured the night with her drawings of sweet resident pups.
Drawings that may become the cover of the next storybook as the shelter animals become part of someone’s family. It’s next chapter in this tale for tails that all hope to hear.
Photos courtesy Friends of the Escambia County Animal Shelter for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Woman Held Vehicle Burglary Suspect At Gunpoint After He Stole $2 Lighter, ECSO Says
July 5, 2022
A Molino man is facing charges after allegedly stealing a $2 lighter from a vehicle at a Cantonment home.
Devin Brandon Swicegood, 25, was charged with felony vehicle burglary and misdemeanor petit theft .
Swicegood allegedly took a cigarette lighter from an unlocked vehicle parked at home in a rural area of Highway 29 in Cantonment. As he rummaged through the vehicle, a woman at the residence was alerted by her dogs and held Swicegood at gunpoint until deputies arrived, according to an arrest report.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy noted in his report that Swicegood “appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance based upon his movements and manner of speech”.
The $2 lighter was recovered by deputies and returned to the victim.
Swicegood remained in the Escambia County Jail Tuesday morning with bond set at $6,000.
Tate Lady Aggies Hosting Annual Softball Camp On July 12
July 5, 2022
The Tate High School Lady Aggies will host their annual Summer Softball Skills Clinic on Tuesday, July 12 from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. Check-in begins at 4:30 p.m.
The cost is $50. For more information or to register, click or tap here.
Pictured: The 2021 Tate High School Summer Softball Skills Clinic. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Marbled Mugs, MESS Hall, Chess Club And Lego Night: This Week At North Escambia Libraries
July 5, 2022
Here are events scheduled this week at the North Escambia library locations in Molino and Century:
Nail polish isn’t just for painting nails. Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the Molino Branch Library, patrons can make their own unique marbled coffee mug. All materials will be provided. The program is recommended for ages 12 and up.
Family story time will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Molino Branch Library and simultaneously at the Century Branch Library with stories, songs and movement. This program is suggested for children ages 2 to 5 years and their caregivers but open to everyone. At the Century Library, local state park rangers will present a special story time.
The MESS Hall will be at the Molino Library on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Patrons can join representatives from Pensacola’s MESS Hall to explore the math, engineering, and science of the oceans. They can also embrace curiosity at interactive exploration stations. All ages are welcome.
Thursday will be Lego night at the Century Branch Library at 5 p.m. There will be a variety of Lego bricks and challenges. Duplo bricks will be available for little builders.
The Florida Public Archaeology Network will present a program about underwater archaeology in your community and an interactive activity on Friday, July 8 at 10:30 a.m. at the Century Branch Library. All ages are welcome.
Chess Club at the Century Library will be at 10 a.m. Saturday. Learn how to play chess, improve your skills, or challenge yourself with a friendly against a new opponent. The library will provide all chess boards and pieces.