Century Council Makes Change In Hopes Of Making Public Comment Easier
February 4, 2022
The Century Town Council has made a procedural change in hopes of making it more convenient for the public to make comments at meetings.
For many years, the council has heard public comment at the end of meetings, sometimes two or three hours after they convene.
Now, the council will hear public comment at the beginning of each meeting, in addition to just before the close.
“If you just want to know about a pothole or a fence in your area, you don’t have to sit for three hours,” said council president Luis Gomez.
The public often addresses city services type issues at council meetings — utility bills, water leaks and road issues are common areas of concern. Sometimes, an individual that signed up to address the council would simply give up and leave before the end of a meeting.
Pictured: Century resident Peggie Morris addresses the Century Town Council at the beginning of a meeting. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Former Flomaton Cop Arrested On Florida Drug Charges Now Accused Of Child Endangerment In Alabama
February 3, 2022
A former Flomaton Police Department lieutenant arrested for drug trafficking in 2020 in Molino is back behind bars in an Alabama jail facing new charges.
Isaac R. Lopez, 37, was taken into custody Wednesday by the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office on Flomaton Police Department warrants.
Lopez is charged with reckless endangerment of a child and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, according to Flomaton Police. Both charges are misdemeanors.
“Our office received a call of a minor under influence of alcohol. Our officers investigated and found probable cause for the warrants. DHR (Department of Human Resources) Escambia also was called and investigated,” Flomaton Police Chief Charles Thompson told NorthEscambia.com Wednesday night.
The incident reportedly occurred on Christmas 2021 and involved a 13-year old child.
Due to the new charges, Lopez’s bond in Alabama was revoked, and he remained in the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton.
The Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office received information that Lopez was trafficking methamphetamines and set up an operation to catch him in the act in December 2020, according to the agency. Lopez arranged a narcotics deal for two ounces of methamphetamine from an Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office investigator by phone and text messages, according to an arrest report. The report states he arrived at a predetermined location in Molino and accepted the two ounces of methamphetamine from the undercover officer.
Lopez was not on duty and not in his agency issued vehicle at the time of his drug arrest in the 5800 block of North Highway 29.
He was charged with trafficking methamphetamine and using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony. He was booked into the Escambia County (FL) Jail and later released on bond.
The cellphone used by Lopez to arrange the meth deal belonged to the Town of Flomaton, according to Escambia County (AL) Sheriff Health Jackson. As a result, Lopez was charged in Alabama for felony use of official position or office for personal gain. He was released on a $200,000 bond; it was that bond that was revoked with his latest arrest Wednesday.
Lopez was terminated by the Flomaton Police Department.
The original drug arrest was the result of a partnership between the Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office, Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office, Flomaton Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Late Ransom Middle Band Director Janie Walker Posthumously Honored With Florida Bandmasters Award
February 3, 2022
Late Ransom Middle School band director Janie Walker has been posthumously awarded the Oliver Hobbs Award by the Florida Bandmasters Association.
Walker passed away in May 2021 at the age of 47 after complications from surgery.
The Oliver Hobbs Award recognizes FBA members who have consistently done an exceptional job year after year in the position of band director. The FBA recognizes up to four band directors statewide for the award each year. Walker joins retired Tate High School band director Joe Hooten and retired Bailey Middle School band director Tim Willis as residents of Escambia County who have won the award.
Accepting the award on Walker’s behalf were Cathy McConnell, Ransom Middle orchestra director, and Angela Horne, Ransom chorus director.
Walker started her teaching career in the fall of 1997 when she became the band director at UMS Wright Preparatory School in Mobile. While living in Mobile, she played in the Mobile Pops Orchestra.
In the fall of 1999, Walker moved back to Pensacola and became the band director at Ransom Middle School. During her time at Ransom, her symphonic and jazz bands received consistent superior ratings at District Music Performance Assessments, and she had 18 students selected for participation in Florida all state bands. She also served as guest conductor for Middle School Honor Bands in Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. She was selected as the Ransom Middle School Teacher of the Year for the 2020-2021 school year.
She was born March 26, 1974, in Pensacola and attended Cordova Park Elementary, Workman Middle School, and Washington High School. Walker and her family were active members of First Baptist Church in Pensacola where she was baptized and married and she served as a Children’s Camp Counselor. She also played the trumpet in the church orchestra.
Following graduation from high school in 1992 with honors, she attended the University of Alabama where she received a Bachelor of Music Education in 1997. While at Alabama she was a member of the Million Dollar Band, Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Quota Brass Quintet and Mu Phi Epsilon. Walker and her future husband, Chris Walker, met at Alabama and they were both members of the Million Dollar Band.
Several of Walker’s former students are in teaching positions at middle school and high school band programs in the Florida Panhandle, and several former students are professional musicians.
Lee Rigdon, who taught with Walker as assistant band director, is now serving as the Ransom band director. Steven Kershaw is the assistant band director.
Northview Lifter Holley Gilley Advances To State 1A Meet
February 3, 2022
Northview High School’s Holley Gilley will compete in the Florida High School Athletic Association 1A state weightlifting meet next week at Port St. Joe High School.
Gilley placed at regionals in snatch, clean and jerk, and bench.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Engineer Joy Jones Retires After 18 Years of Service
February 3, 2022
Escambia County Engineer Joy Jones, PE, has after 18 years with the county. Jones’ last day was Wednesday..
She retired as engineering director and county engineer. During her time with Escambia County, Jones served as director of Public Works; division manager of Engineering and Construction Management; division vanager of Park Operations and Capital Improvements; division manager of Planning and Engineering; and as stormwater engineer of the Planning and Engineering Department.
As director and engineering lead, Jones supported and led the department to implement innovative ideas that benefited the county, citizens and visitors. Jones oversaw more than 60 infrastructure projects annually for design or construction ranging from $20-$40 million per year. Some of her notable projects include the Southwest Sports Complex at Bauer Road, and the Bratt and Beulah parks. She was also instrumental in initiating technical notices to better communicate new specifications, address common issues and provide resolutions.
“I want to thank everyone I have had the great fortune to work with over the last 18 years,” said Jones. “It has been a blessing to serve the citizens of Escambia County and to have the opportunity to work on a tremendous number of fulfilling projects. I know the future of the engineering department is bright.”
“I wish Joy nothing but the best in her retirement,” said Interim County Administrator Wes Moreno. “Working with Joy has been an immense pleasure. She leaves behind an incredible legacy for the county engineering department through her hard work and passion for the job.”
Prior to her time with the county, Jones served for nine years in the private sector as a senior project manager with Mott MacDonald and project engineer with Florida Groundwater Services. She was also the civil engineer of record for many commercial site plans, roadways and subdivision developments.
Tate High’s Jaxson Stafford Competes In Blue-Grey All-American Bowl
February 3, 2022
Tate High School’s Jaxson Stafford competed in the 2022 Blue-Grey All-American Bowl at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Raymond James Stadium. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Seeks To Hire Project Coordinator, Town Planner
February 3, 2022
The Town of Century is looking to hire two consultants to fill the gap left by the retirement of longtime town planner Debbie Nickles.
The town began advertising Thursday for an individual or firm to serve as town planner in a consulting role. The position will have direct interaction with representatives of the development community in the coordination of land use activities and serve as the director of the Century Community Redevelopment Agency. The position, which requires a master’s degree and five years of experience, will report directly to the mayor and town council.
The town is also seeking an individual or firm to act as “coordinator of ongoing projects“, including the American Rescue Plan, State Revolving Loan Fund, road projects and SHIP housing. “These matters will eventually close and new matters will be assigned as needed,” the position announcement notes. The position requires a bachelor’s degree and five years of experience in grant writing and grant implementation.
Applications for both contract positions are open until noon on February 18.
Pictured: Now retired Century town planner Debbie Nickles addresses the Century Town Council. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
An Early Spring? North Escambia Weather Ducks Miss Shadow
February 2, 2022
On Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil, the world famous groundhog, saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter up in Pennsylvania. But our local weather guys, the NorthEscambia.com Weather Ducks, missed their shadow on an overcast Wednesday morning and predicted an early spring for the North Escambia area.
Folklore says that if the groundhog sees his shadow on Groundhog Day, it means six more weeks of winter. We did not have a groundhog handy for a photo, but we did have the NorthEscambia.com Weather Ducks
The North Escambia Weather Ducks have been offering their Groundhog Day predictions for spring for over a decade, and they say their record is just as good, or better, than that famous groundhog. They’ve become an annual reader fun favorite tradition.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
McDavid Solar Energy Site Now Producing Enough Power For 15,000 Homes
February 2, 2022
The 300,000 solar panels at the Cotton Creek Solar Energy Center in McDavid are now producing enough electricity to power up to 15,000 homes.
At about 500 acres, the site has the capacity to generate 75 megawatts. The solar center is in an area north of West Bogia Road between South Pine Barren Road and Highway 29, just west of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church.
According to Florida Power & Light, the facility has been generating electricity since December 31. It is one of eight new solar energy centers put into service recently across the state.
“This important milestone for FPL is the product of our dedication to delivering cost-effective clean and reliable energy to our customers across the Sunshine State,” said Eric Silagy, president and CEO of FPL. “This time last year, we had 33 solar energy centers in operation. To now reach 50 solar energy centers is proof of our tireless pursuit of a cleaner energy future for today and future generations.”
Construction is underway on the First City Solar Energy Center, also in North Escambia. Similar in size and capacity to power another 15,000 homes, First City is located off Holland, Cox and Roach roads in McDavid.
The FPL new solar energy centers recently placed into service across Florida are:
- FPL Cotton Creek (Escambia County)
- FPL Blue Springs (Jackson County)
- FPL Ghost Orchid (Hendry County)
- FPL Sawgrass (Hendry County)
- FPL Elder Branch (Manatee County)
- FPL Sundew (St. Lucie County)
- FPL Immokalee (Collier County)
- FPL Grove (Indian River County)
Together, the eight new solar energy centers are capable of generating 596 MW of quiet, emissions-free energy. That’s enough to power 120,000 homes annually and reduces carbon emissions equivalent to taking 112,000 cars off the road each year.
The eight new solar energy centers add approximately 2 million panels to FPL’s portfolio. Recently, FPL announced it is now expecting to complete its goal of installing 30 million solar panels across Florida five years early – by the end of 2025.
Pictured: The Cotton Creek Solar Energy Center in North Escambia. Photo by Jeff Amerson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Decision Postponed On Rezoning 376 Acres In Molino
February 2, 2022
On Tuesday, the Escambia County Planning Board first denied, then postponed a final decision on a proposed large scale zoning change for 376 acres in Molino.
The wooded and undeveloped acreage is on five parcels along or near either Gibson Road or Crabtree Church Road in Molino (map below). The parcels are owned by Thomas Henry of Thomas Homes in Cantonment.
The current agricultural zoning on the property is agriculture, which allows for a maximum residential density of one dwelling unit on each 20 acres. Henry is proposing a future land use change to agricultural residential, which would allow a maximum of one residence per four acres.
According to Escambia County’s Comprehensive Plan, the agricultural residential zoning designation is allowed along highways, federal and “major county roads” as identified in the Escambia County Future Land Use Map.
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The comprehensive plan does not offer a definition of “major county road”. The county’s development maps do show Gibson Road or Crabtree Church Road as major county roads.
County staff will seek clarification and the planning board will reconsider the proposal in April.
Several dozen citizens, mostly from Molino and Barrineau Park, attended Tuesday’s four-hour long planning board meeting. Speakers against the rezoning cited their opinions about inadequate infrastructure. They claimed that area roads and bridges, schools and emergency services are not adequate for added growth.
A county staff analysis of the rezoning application found that adequate infrastructure does exist.
Pictured: A portion of the property in question along Gibson Road in Molino. Pictured lower inset: Local resident Craig Exner addresses the Escambia County Planning Board Tuesday morning. Pictured below: Developer Thomas Henry speaks to the board. Pictured bottom: Map showing the area. NorthEscambia.com photo and images, click to enlarge.
