Century To Hold Public Hearings
September 15, 2008
The Town of Century will hold a public hearing tonight at 7:00 the town hall to consider a recommendation from the Century Recreation Advisory Committee to submit a grant application for Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program funds to complete development of the Anthony Pleasant Sports Complex (formerly known as the Showalter Park Expansion Project). The hearing will also be to solicit public input and comment regarding the submission of the grant application in order to enhance recreational opportunities for the residents of the Town.
The Town of Century will hold another public hearing tonight at 7:15 at the Century Town Hall, located at 7995 North Century Boulevard, Century. The purpose of the public hearing is to consider a recommendation from the Century Recreation Advisory Committee to submit a grant application for Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program funds to develop a fishing pier and boat dock on a portion of a five acre parcel of land adjacent to the Escambia River, known as Fischer Landing, and to solicit public input and comment regarding the submission of the grant application in order to enhance recreational opportunities for the residents of the town.
Any questions regarding the public hearing should be directed to Dorothy Sims, town clerk, at (850) 256-3208. Century adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make reasonable modifications for access to services, programs and activities. Please call (850) 256-3208 for further information.
Six People Injured In Highway 29 Molino Wreck
September 14, 2008
Six people were injured in a two vehicle accident early Friday evening in Molino.
The accident happened about 6:40 at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97. All six people were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The Florida Highway Patrol says Travis E. Payne, 30, of Molino was crossing over Highway 29 from Highway 97 in a 1993 Buick when he pulled into the path of Lonna M. Knotts, 33, of Pensacola. Knotts was northbound on Highway 29. The two cars collided in the northbound lane of Highway 29. Payne’s vehicle spun around and came to rest on the shoulder of Highway 29. Knotts car landed in a deep ditch at the intersection.
Passengers in Payne’s vehicle were Brannen Batemen, 14, and Tommy Payne, 9, both of Molino. Passengers in Knott’s vehicle were Quimaine Knotts, 33, and Trevilis Lewis, 34, both of Pensacola.
Witnesses said Payne might have been unable to see Knott’s southbound vehicle as he pulled across Highway 97 due to a church bus in the northbound turn lane of Highway 29.
The accident is still under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Molino Volunteer Fire Department, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department all responded to the scene.
All six people in the accident were transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.
Pictured above: Three people were injured in this vehicle driven by Travis Payne of Molino early Friday evening at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97. Pictured below: Three more people were injured in this car driven by Lonna M. Knotts of Pensacola. The car landed in a ditch behind Payne’s Buick (visible in the far left of the photo). NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Get About $70 Of Groceries, Including Steaks, For $30: No Strings Attached
September 14, 2008
As the cost of food continues to rise, there is a program available at a local church that can save more than half off the cost of groceries. And, perhaps best of all, everyone qualifies, no strings attached.
It’s called Angel Food Ministries, a program that provides food relief to more than a half million families a month across the nation.
It’s a simple concept…pay $30 for a box of food worth about $70. There are no applications; everyone qualifies. The process is simple too…just stop by the Allen Memorial United Methodist Church in Cantonment, pay the $30 and return on the designated pickup day to receive the box of food. They even accept food stamps.
And, for seniors, there’s a special box of food for just $25 that includes 10 full cooked, low sodium heat and eat meals.
Allen Memorial United Methodist Church has been the local host for the Angel Food Ministries program since October of 2006, according to their program director Katrina Williamson.
“It’s a great program,” Williamson said. “It can really help people out.”
Orders for September can be placed Monday from 10 until noon at the church at 206 Pace Parkway in Cantonment for a food delivery on September 27. The church accepts cash or food stamps.
The $30 September box of food includes 1.5 pounds of top sirloin steaks, two pounds of boneless chicken breasts, three pounds of breaded chicken chunks, a 1.5 pound pork fillet, a large supreme pizza, a pound of ground turkey, plus other items like french fries, several vegetables and desserts.
Specials are also available each month with the purchase of a regular box of food. For instance, this month, one special is 1.5 pounds of Kansas City strip steaks,, 1.5 pounds of ribeye steaks and two pounds of all beef hamburger for $20.
“Our food is “restaurant grade” meats, frozen vegetables, fruits, dairy products, etc. which we acquire through our involvement with only the best producers/vendors of high quality, “name brand” foods. Never “seconds” or “day old” type products are involved,” according to the Angel Food Ministries web site.
For more information about the program, call Allen Memorial United Methodist Church at 968-6213 or visit www.angelfoodministries.com. To visit the church and place an order…take Highway 20 south into Cantonment. Turn right at the red light onto Muskogee Road. Take the second right onto Pace Parkway.
Other churches in the North Escambia area that might be interested in hosting the Angel Food Ministries program can visit www.angelfoodministries.com for more information.
For a menu with complete information, click here.
Many Escambia Stations Out Of Gas; AL Prices Up
September 14, 2008
Due to Hurricane Ike, many Escambia gas stations were out of gas Saturday night, or had only one grade available. Prices in Alabama, meanwhile, are soaring to near the $4 mark for regular unleaded.
Gas station after gas station in Pensacola had empty price signs and bags over pump handles. At the Tom Thumb on Airport Boulevard in Pensacola, only regular unleaded was available at $3.63 a gallon. At a Tom Thumb on Nine Mile Road, only diesel was available Saturday night; the station was out of all grades of gas. There was a similar across Pensacola Saturday night.
Most North Escambia stations had gas Saturday night. Prices ranged from $3.69 at the Tom Thumb in Molino, where all grades were still available, to $3.75 in Century. In Davisville, a gallon of regular unleaded was $3.69.
Across the state line in Alabama, the gas story is a bit different. Many stations have gas, but the price has spiked. At a station in Atmore, regular unleaded was at $3.89 a gallon. In Flomaton, one station was at $3.99 a gallon on Saturday. A station in Brewton, Alabama, was reported to be selling a gallon of regular unleaded at $4.65 per gallon.
Why the problems? Hurricane Ike is the simple answer, industry officials say.
In Texas, 13 of 26 major refineries are shut down. Add in increased demand from people that decided to top off their tanks and a few extra containers because a hurricane was in the Gulf, and you get an increased demand adding to the diminished supply.
Florida Governor Charlie Crist issued a statement assuring Floridians that our gas supply is adequate in the wake of Ike.
“Our supply is good, based on the projected demand from consumers. If stations do not have fuel, it is not due to the lack of supply, but because of a temporary increase in demand,” Crist said.
Meanwhile, as prices in Florida continue to rise as high as $5 a gallon in some place, the state’s attorney general says price gouging complaints are pouring in.
“Investigators with my Economic Crimes Division are reviewing the 261 complaints we have received about gasoline price gouging in multiple locations throughout the state,” Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum said Saturday night.”
Pictured above: The Tom Thumb in Molino had all grades of gas available Saturday night. Regular unleaded was $3.69 per gallon. NorthEscambia.com photo.
“Our investigations will continue, and I encourage Floridians to stay vigilant and keep reporting complaints to my office. This information from consumers is essential to our investigators as they work to ensure businesses are not taking advantage of our consumers. Price gouging should be reported to my hotline, 1-866-966-7226,” McCollum said.\
Molino Volunteer Fire Department Open House Today
September 13, 2008
The Molino Volunteer Fire Department will host their annual Open House today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be a fish fry, games for the kids, LifeFlight helicopter display, Escambia Sheriff’s Department Air One helicopter display, an extrication demo, a bounce house for the kids, fire prevention education, and lots of fun for all.
The Molino VFD is located at 1459 Molino Road.
Other Area Football Scores
September 13, 2008
Vernon 28, Jay 7
After a halftime 7-0 lead, Veron picked up 21 points in the second half to down the Jay Royals Friday night. Jay fumbled six times on the night and had three plays intercepted.
Southern Academy 62, Escambia Academy 7
Faith Academy 20, Escambia County 14
Pensacola Catholic 17, Tate 15
New Dismissal Times At Bratt, Molino Park
September 13, 2008
School start and dismissal times will be different beginning Monday at Bratt and Molino Park elementary schools.
Both schools will now dismiss at 1:40 each afternoon. That’s a change from a 2:00 dismissal.
The changes comes due to transportation issues, according to Shawn Dennis, assistant superintendent of operations.
Do to the large physical size of the North Escambia area served by Bratt and Molino Park, many school buses were unable to return to Ernest Ward Middle School by their 3:10 dismissal time.
“Our transportation department is continuing to look at solutions,” Dennis said.
There will be no change in the school day at Ernest Ward Middle School.
Other schools in North Escambia, including Byrneville Elementary, Carver/Century K-8 School and Northview High School will have no change in their schedules.
Pictured above: Buses on a recent afternoon waiting for students at Ernest Ward Middle School. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Northview Mini-Cheerleader Clinic Canceled
September 13, 2008
The Northview High School mini-cheerleader clinic that was scheduled for this morning has been canceled. It will be rescheduled for a later date.
Crist Says Florida Has Plenty Of Fuel As Ike Hits Texas
September 13, 2008
Florida Governor Charlie Crist issued the following statement regarding the fuel supply in the state as Hurricane Ike heads inland into Texas:
“Currently Florida is watching Hurricane Ike approach the Gulf shores of Texas. The people of Texas are in our prayers, and we stand ready to help them in the recovery efforts following the storm. Last evening, I reached out to Governor Perry to let him know that Floridians are prepared to assist our neighbors in their time of need.
“It is important for the people of Florida to know that our state currently has an adequate fuel supply. Major fuel companies continue to deliver millions of gallons of gasoline and diesel to retailers and communities across the state. In addition, we are coordinating with the petroleum industry and representatives from the Florida Petroleum Council and Florida Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association to ensure that there is fuel to meet current consumer needs.
“Despite this fact, there are confirmed reports of gas stations charging more than five dollars a gallon, which can only be described as unconscionable. Raising rates to exorbitant levels like this only causes unnecessary panic and fear. This type of behavior will not be tolerated, and I pledge to work with Attorney General McCollum and Agriculture Commissioner Bronson to ensure swift and appropriate action is taken against all price gougers.
“To report suspected cases of price gouging, please call 1-800-HELP-FLA or 1-866-966-7226.”
Ikes Makes Landfall In Texas
September 13, 2008
Hurricane Ike is made landfall early this morning near Galveston Island. Texas with winds of 110 mph, a strong Category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.
Ike was still moving northwest at 13 mph. A turn more toward the north is expected later today, with a gradual turn toward the north-northeast as the center of the storm heads toward Arkansas by early Sunday.
Hurricane Ike is huge storm with hurricane force winds extending outward 120 miles from the center. Tropical storm force winds extended out 275 from the center of the storm.
Here in North Escambia, we can expect mostly sunny skies today, with a slight 20 percent chance of afternoon rain. That rain chance is up to 50 percent by Sunday and Monday, with highs in the lows 90’s. Later in the week, we can expect highs in the low 80’s and lows in the upper 50’s.
Pictured above: The latest forecast track from the National Weather Service for major Hurricane Ike. Pictured below: And enhanced satellite image of the storm.
