Today Is Last Day To Pay Your Escambia Property Taxes
March 31, 2008
Today, March 31, is the last day to pay your real estate and tangible personal property taxes without a penalty. All unpaid taxes will become delinquent at midnight tonight.
A penalty of three percent for real estate and one and a half percent for tangible taxes will be assessed beginning tomorrow, according to Janet Holley, Escambia County tax collector. As of one week ago, over $47 million in county taxes remained unpaid…that’s 17% of the entire tax roll.
Payments will be accepted without penalty if:
- mailed with postmark of March 31
- made on the tax collector web site by midnight March 31
- made on the after hours automated (800) 601-1055 phone line by midnight March 31
- left in a 24 drop box at any tax collector office, including Century and Cantonment, by midnight March 31
You may check the status of your taxes and pay online at escambiataxcollector.com or by phone at (800) 601-1055. For more information, call the a tax collector’s office at 438-6500 ext. 252.
The Century office is located in the Billy G. Ward Courthouse at 7500 North Century Boulevard and is open today from 8:30 until 5:00.
The Cantonment office is located at 470 South Highway 29 in the old Winn Dixie shopping center. It is also open today from 8:30 until 5:00.
Free Exercise Program In Century
March 31, 2008
Century Care Center is offering a free exercise program to their employees and to the entire community.
The class is a combination of yoga and Pilates. Classes are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons 3:00 from 3:45 and 5:00 until 5:45 at the Century Community Center on Highway 4. The instructor is Century Care’s own Revia Whatley (pictured left). Everyone is invited to participate.
Blood Drive Now In Walnut Hill
March 31, 2008
A blood drive is going on today the Walnut Hill Farm Supply at the corner of South Highway 99 and Highway 97.
The Northwest Florida Blood Center Bloodmobile will be open until 12:30 this afternoon.
Donors must be in generally good health, and:
- At least 17 years of age
- Must bring picture ID
- Weigh at least 110 lbs
- Free of infection, fever or flu symptoms, for 3 days
- No cancer within the last 5 years
- No antibiotics within the last 48 hours
- No tattoos within the past 12 months
- No chest pain, heart disease, heart surgery (Requires written physician release with diagnosis)
- No history of viral hepatitis
- Cannot have lived in France for 5 years or more between 1980 and the present
- Cannot have lived or visited in the UK for a total of 3 months or more from 1980 to 1996
- Cannot have received a blood transfusion in the UK between 1980 and the present
- Military personnel (current and former), and their dependents, who spent time in military bases in northern Europe during 1980-1990, or southern Europe during 1980-1996, for 6 months or more
- All military personnel (active & reserve) that are returning from Iraq, are deferred for a period of 1 year after the last date on location in that country.
For more info, call 473-3853 or visit the Northwest Florida Blood Center website at www.nfbcblood.org.
Century Celebrates 108 Years Of History
March 30, 2008
The Alger-Sullivan Historical Society celebrated the 108th birthday of Century Saturday with a day of activities.
The day began at 9:00 with the raising of the colors. There was a “War Between the States skirmish” reenacted, as well as an authentic Civil War canon firing. Visitors had the opportunity to visit a civil war campsite, enjoy food and live music, and visit the museums. A Mayberry sheriff’s car and Barney Fife look-a-like (pictured left, click to enlarge) were also on hand.
The events took place in the area of the Alger-Sullivan Historical District at Fourth and and Jefferson streets in Century.
For a complete photo gallery from Century’s 108th birthday celebration, click here.
Pictured above: A Civil War era cannon was fired for the 108th birthday of Century Saturday. Notice the fire shooting out of the front of the cannon at the exact moment it fired. Pictured below: A Civil War camp was setup in the Alger-Sullivan Historical District in Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Yes Lord, We’ll Ride With You; Riding For The Son
March 30, 2008
Sometimes in life, the courage to walk up to someone you don’t know and say those first words can be tough. Finding the courage to walk up to the stereotypical tough man biker and just start talking about salvation…well, that can be even tougher.
But it is a courage that disabled Vietnam vet Michael Largay has obtained, and it is a courage that has become his passion.
“Excuse me sir, but do you know about Jesus,” he asked when he first walked up to this reporter in Century Saturday. “I wondered if I could tell you a little bit about Him.” He was unaware at the time the he was speaking to a reporter.
That’s what Michael does. Everywhere he goes, even if it is in the middle of a rough biker gang. He has turned his Honda Goldwing into a tool for reaching the lost and pointing them toward the Golden Gates of Heaven.
“We ride for the Lord,” he said of the group he participates with, the Christian Motorcycle Association (the CMA).
The Bible says in Luke14:23 “And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” That’s the motto of the bikers that ride with the group. They hit the highways and let other bikers know about the Lord. Anytime, anywhere. Even if it is at the Florida Welcome Center on I-10 waiting for bikers on their way to the notoriously wild Daytona Bike Week.
“Just being on this bike opens doors,” Michael said of his Honda Goldwing, which was recently named the best in class at the Florida Goldwing Rally. “This is a missionary tool. Just being on this bike has a way of attracting other bikers to speak.”
“A lot of bikers are not the typical people that would go to a regular church on Sunday. They say ‘a church ain’t cool’, so they are not going to come to know the Lord that way. “But if you go up to them and say ‘hey, can I bless your bike’ that usually works. That opens the door. You can ask them before you start if there’s anything you can pray for in their lives.”
“Lord, bless this bike, and keep it and its rider safe on the highways,” he said his prayer usually beings. “Then you add ‘Lord, bless this man and his problems’. They come to realize that God is their God too, and He cares about them. And that they can come to know Him.”
“Bikers know when they see this patch that they can get anything they need, whether it be medical help, mechanical help, money or prayer,” he said pointing to his CMA patch that says “Riding for the Son”.
Another man walks over, admiring the Honda Goldwing.
“I wish I could get a bike like this,” he told Michael, “but my wife would never let me.”
“Do you know Jesus,” Michael asked the man.
“Yes sir, I do. We love Him, and we go to Ray’s Chapel,” the man said.
“Well, tell her that you could get a bike and do missionary work for the Lord. She might let you get one.”
Michael’s friend and fellow CMA member David Davis (pictured left) both sing in the choir at East Brent Baptist Church in Pensacola. Davis said he never misses the opportunity to witness, especially to children.
“I like meeting other people, especially children, and telling them about Jesus,” David said.
“Yeah, he will practically chase a child down to give them a Bible, Michael said.
Michael never missed an opportunity to tell others about Jesus either. He recently joined a Honda Goldwing group in Pensacola. “That’s open more channels for me to tell others about Jesus, because I got to lead prayer for the group.”
“If just one person, just one, can come to know the Lord because of what I do, I will be a happy man,” he said. “It is not about the number of people you lead to Jesus. It is about talking and talking to people until the Lord leads you to that one person that needs to be saved.”
“It’s all about Him. It’s all about Jesus.”
For more photos of Michael and his Honda Goldwing, click here.
Pictured top of page: Michael Largay (center) talks with a Barney Fife lookalike and Billy R. Ward of Bogia in Century on Saturday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click any photo on this page to enlarge.
Big Time At Showalter Fun Day
March 29, 2008
A Family Fun Day was held Saturday at Showalter Park in Century.
In these reader submitted photos, we see Logan Bryan getting batting tips from his dad Kevin Bryan (below).
Above, we see Logan having a good time Saturday At the bottom of the page, we see Logan getting a big hug from “Big Daddy” Preston Bryan and Logan taking a swing.
We encourage your submissions here at NorthEscambia.com. If you have photos of a community event or news happening, email them news@northescambia.com
Aldersgate Held Easter Egg Hunt
March 29, 2008
Aldersgate Methodist Church held their annual Easter Egg Hunt for children in the Molino community recently.
Over 65 area children enjoyed the festivities which included an egg hunt, games, prizes, refreshments and fellowship. Games included a sack race and “Pin the Tail on the Bunny”.
There was a Best Decorated Egg Contest for various age groups. One of the winners was Aden Davis (pictured at left), who decorated his egg with a handmade cross made from dogwood branches.
The Aldersgate Kids Choir performed during the event for everyone’s enjoyment.
Photos and story submitted by Aldersgate Children’s Coordinator Sandra Greenwell.
Annual J.C. Dortch Deer Supper Was Held Saturday Night In Bratt
March 29, 2008
About 130 people attended the annual J.C. Dortch Deer Supper Saturday evening at Bratt First Baptist Church .
The meal included deer cooked in a variety of ways, including fried, smoked, stewed and even made into sausage. Chicken was also be available to those that do not like deer. The meal also included lots side dishes and desserts. All items were provided by the church.
The free supper was provided by Bratt First Baptist as a community outreach for church members and non-members alike; the entire community was invited. Tim and Diana Hawsey, and Edward and Lissa Bardin provided the music.
The annual event was started about 20 years ago by J.C. Dortch, who provided the meat. About eight years ago, Colvin Davis became involved. After Mr. Dortch passed away almost two years ago, Mr. Davis took over the supper. He, along with his sons and grandsons, have provided 12 deer for Saturday night’s meal.
Walnut Hill Treated To Rare Full Double Rainbow
March 29, 2008
Walnut Hill was treated to a complete double rainbow Saturday just before 6:00 pm.
Complete double rainbows that stretch across the horizon are actually considered to be rare, according to the Wikipedia. With a double rainbow, a secondary rainbow is seen, which is a second, fainter arc, outside the primary arc. In the second rainbow, the colors are in the opposite order, that is, with violet on the outside and red on the inside.
It is hard to see in these photographs, but the event included another even more rare phenomenon called a complete Alexander’s band…a darker area of sky between the two complete rainbow arcs. Light reflected in the rain in this area is reflected at such an angle that the observer is unable to see it all, creating the dark band.
And, just to make this rainbow even more spectacular, it was possible to see “the end of the rainbow” here in a field at the corner of Highway 97 and Highway 99. Click this photo to enlarge.
We have also had emails that the rainbows were at least partial visible from Davisville, Bratt, Byrneville, Century, Atmore, Nokomis and Canoe.
We missed photographing the entire rainbow from side to side across the horizon. On a 35mm camera, it takes a 19mm or less lens; we only had a larger lens with us at the time. Scroll down for more photos. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Highland Youth Hold Yard Sale
March 29, 2008
The Highland Baptist Church Youth held an yard sale Saturday morning in the parking lot of the old Grocery Advantage store at the corner of Molino Road and Highway 29. Proceeds benefit the youth program and their plans to attend summer camp.
Pictured above: Stephanie (left) and Kayla Dix prepare items for the Highland Baptist Church Youth yard sale Saturday morning in Molino.
