Escambia And Century Becoming Part Of Pensacola? Governor Signs Consolidation Bill
May 6, 2009
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has signed into law the Florida House bill that will form a commission to study local government consolidation that would combine Century, Pensacola and Escambia County into one. Crist signed the bill yesterday in Pensacola.
“We are really excited about it and look forward to showing the community the unique opportunities it presents,” Jason Crawford, co-chair of the group Escambia All For One said. Escambia All For One is the driving force behind the consolidation effort. “We appreciate the governor making it a priority to sign this bill.”
The next step under the bill sponsored by Rep. Greg Evers, requires the creation of a consolidation study commission by July 1.
“Florida’s families and business are making sacrifices, and it is important that they know their government is listening and learning how we can be better, more efficient and more accountable to those we serve,” said Gov. Crist. “Their priorities are our priorities, and I welcome their input.”
Once a consolidation plan is created by the study commission, it is to be submitted to the Escambia County Commission, the City of Pensacola and the Town of Century for action before submission to the Escambia County legislative delegation by January 15, 2010. Once approved by the legislature, the plan would be presented to Escambia County voters.
“We have some really important work to do in the next seven months,” Crawford said.
Escambia All for One believes the consolidation of the three governmental entities into one Pensacola will benefit all residents, including those in North Escambia.
“We will look at how we can look out for the north end,” Crawford told NorthEscambia.com. “There are a lot of things in the current system that keep the north end from thriving.”
Century, Pensacola and Escambia County will not be required to pay for the commission, under the house bill, but they will be required to provide clerical, technical and legal assistance to the commission.
The commission will include up to 25 members from various groups in the county. Crawford said he expect the group to hold its first meeting either Tuesday, May 26 or Tuesday, June 2.
The commission will include:
- Five members appointed by the Escambia County Commission, with one member being appointed from each district
- One member appointed by the Century Town Council, with that member being a resident of Century
- Two members appointed by the Pensacola City Council, both of them being residents of Pensacola
One member will be appointed by each of the following groups:
- NAACP
- Escambia County Taxpayer’s Association
- League of Women Voters of Pensacola Bay Area
- Pensacola Young Professionals
- Pensacola Ministerial Alliance
- Escambia County Farm Bureau
- Home Builders Association of West Florida
The president of the University of West Florida will appoint one member with expertise in local government matters. The sheriff, tax collector, property appraiser, clerk of court and supervisor of elections will each appoint one member.
The chief judge of the First Judicial Circuit will appoint two Florida Bar members with legal expertise in local government matters.
One member will be appointed by the Escambia County School Board, and the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority will appoint a member.
A special advisory committee on public safety will be appointed under the house bill, consisting of the following or their designee:
- Escambia County Sheriff
- Pensacola Police chief
- Escambia County Community Corrections Bureau
- Escambia County Public Safety Bureau Chief
- Pensacola fire chief
- Escambia County Medical Director
- chairperson of the Escambia County Fire Services Advisory Board
- Police Benevolent Association of the City of Pensacola
- Police Benevolent Association of Escambia County
- Chapter of of the International Association of Firefighters of the City of Pensacola
A special advisory committee on economic development will be appointed, including members appointed by the following groups:
- Pensacola Junior College
- Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
- Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce
- Pensacola Downtown Improvement Board
- Gulf Coast African American Chamber of Commerce
- local chapter of the Florida Black Chamber of Commerce
- Florida’s Great Northwest
- Town of Century Chamber of Commerce
- Walnut Hill Ruritan Club
- Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce
An advisory committee on health care will be appointed by:
- Baptist Health Care
- Sacred Heart Health System
- West Florida Hospital
- Escambia County Health Department
- Escambia County Medical Society
Click here to read the entire bill (pdf format).
Deputies Attempt To Arrest Donkey Shooter; J.B. Continues To Improve
May 6, 2009
Escambia County deputies are searching for 17-year old Kyle Mason Driver in connection with the weekend shooting of a mother donkey.
Sgt. Kevin Vickrey of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department said that deputies attempted to locate Driver at several different locations Tuesday evening, including a parent’s home, but they were unsuccessful in making an arrest.
Anyone that knows the whereabouts of Kyle Mason Driver of the 1400 block of River Annex Road, Cantonment, is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department at 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at 433-STOP (7867).
The sheriff’s department told NorthEscambia.com Tuesday afternoon that it usually takes 7-10 days for a judge to sign warrants under ordinary circumstances. In this case, a judge signed the warrants late Tuesday afternoon, and deputies headed out early Tuesday evening in an attempt to locate the suspect.
Deputies said Driver has confessed to deputies that he shot a donkey on River Annex Road near Jacks Branch Road late Saturday night. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Department says that he will be charged with felony cruelty to animals causing death, using a weapon during the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a person under 18.
A witness has given the sheriff’s department information on the crime and a .22 caliber weapon used in the shooting.
Now three days old, little J.B. the donkey continues to improve, according to Diane Lowery of Panhandle Equine Rescue. Tuesday afternoon, he was outside and running around and kicking up his heels the yard of Lindley Barden, his adoptive mom. He is still being bottle feed by Barden, PER’s secretary, about every hour. The two continue to sleep next to each other in her hallway so that they are always close.
Lowery said it will be about seven days before we know if J.B. is in the clear; he missed vital antibodies by never receiving milk from his mother. After seven days, she said his immune system will likely be strong enough for his survival. He did receive the antibodies through an IV in his neck on Sunday. It’s not clear if J.B. was born just before or just after his mother’s death.
Deputies located and stopped a small pickup truck in the area following the incident. They were unable to locate a firearm in the vehicle and were not able to make an arrest at the time, according to deputies. One of the two juveniles in the vehicle was Driver.
Panhandle Equine Rescue’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and provide adoption services for abused, neglected and abandoned equines. PER is authorized by the Escambia County court system to investigate equine reports in the county.
Donations are being accepted to help pay the vet bill or anyone interested in sponsoring J.B.. Checks or money orders can be sent to PER, P.O. Box 777, Cantonment, FL 32533 or you can visit www.panhandleequinerescue.org for more information.
To read previous NorthEscambia.com stories about J.B., click here and here.
Pictured above: Baby donkey J.B., pictured when he was less than 24 hours old, is fighting for survival after the shooting death of his mother Sunday morning. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photo, click to enlarge. Pictured below: J.B. looks for his mother.
Beautification Project Turns Ugly; Town Seeks Legal Advice
May 6, 2009
A highway beautification project in Century has turned ugly, with the contractor apparently failing to pay subcontractors. In addition, some of the warrantied plants are not growing or are simply dead.
The highway beautification contract was awarded to Garden World of Holiday in Land O’Lakes, Florida, according to Mayor Freddie McCall. The contractor has been paid just a few thousand dollars of the total $68,000 state grant the town received for the beautification project, the mayor said, and the work to landscape at the town limits and other locations along Highway 29/North Century Boulevard is mostly done, and Garden World has requested payment.
But McCall said subcontractors that did work on the project for Garden World have not been paid, according to McCall. He said some have even threatened to put a lien on town property if they are not paid.
McCall said the town could be liable to pay the subcontractors, so he wants to pay them directly and then pay any balance to Garden World. He said he was advised by the Florida Department of Transportation to not pay Garden World at this point.
The Century Town Council voted 3-1, with Councilman Henry Hawkins casting the lone no vote, to have town attorney Matt Dannheisser determine what steps that town should take next.
McCall said that some of the grasses and other plants installed by the company are not growing, and some are dead. He said the plants had a warranty, and that he has talked to the company that bonded Garden World on the bid about solving the problem since he is unable to get a response from Garden World.
Pictured above: The beautification project work on North Century Boulevard at the Florida/Alabama state line. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Northview, Jay Both Lose Tuesday Night In Playoff Action
May 6, 2009
The Northview Chiefs lost their Region 1-3A playoff bid Tuesday night by a single point, and it was also a disappointing night for the Jay Royals.
Bonifay beat the Chiefs 2-1 on the road.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Crusaders beat Marianna 12-2 in five innings. Catholic will travel to Bonifay Friday night for the Region 1-3A semifinal game.
Sneeds beat the Jay Royals 6-2.
Chipotle Chicken? School Menus Changing Next Year
May 6, 2009
Chipotle chicken wrap and Kung Pao chicken could be on the menu next year at Escambia County’s public schools.
The Escambia County School District’s Food Services department will unveil new menu items Thursday that include honey turkey salad, chipotle chicken wrap, stir fry, Kung Pao chicken, and a significant fresh fruit selection. The menu items will be test for three weeks at Pine Forest High, Tate High and Ransom Middle schools.
The school district says the initiative is an effort to provide more student-driven menus and healthier choices in school cafeterias. The effort is largely in response to results of Superintendent Malcolm Thomas’ climate survey late last year. Food service was the overwhelming concern expressed by students throughout the survey period.
Food service was the ninth biggest concern for all persons taking Thomas’ survey. But for students, it was number one with 16.6 percent of students concerned about lunchroom food. Second was school start/stop times at 14.52 percent followed by curriculum at 11.2 percent.
The students at the pilot schools will be surveyed prior to the district finalizing the menu choices for next school year.
Social Security Expands Local Hours With Video System
May 6, 2009
An official ribbon cutting was held Tuesday morning for a new Social Security Administration video system that allows area residents to interact with the SSA face to face, one of just three such systems in an eight state area.
The video system now available at the Workforce Escarosa office in Century is one of just three in the Southeastern United States. A citizen using the free system is able to sit down in front of a video monitor and carry on a face to face conversation with a Social Security representative in Pensacola or Ft. Walton Beach.
“This is a great day in Century,” Mayor Freddie McCall told a group of local and SSA dignitaries gathered Tuesday morning to see the new system in action. “We are honored to have this in Century.”
“We’ve gone from being in Century two hours to 32 hours per week,” John Sullivan from the Pensacola SSA office said.
“There’s no more hour to Pensacola, hour to wait in line at our Pensacola office and an hour to drive back,” Sullivan from the Pensacola SSA office said. “You can sit down in Century with little or no wait and see our representative face to face and do everything that you can do in Pensacola. You just don’t have the wait.”
Sullivan said his Pensacola office sees 350 to 400 people per day, which often leads to a long wait.
The video system is easy to use — a person simply sits down and talks. There are no buttons to push, and no computer knowledge required whatsoever. The conversation takes place across a secured line, and the conversation is not recorded. If the SSA representative needs to see documentation, such as a marriage license, the person using the system simply holds it up to the camera. Family members or social workers that accompany someone are able to join in the conversation as well.
“It’s so easy,” said Catharine Jeter, director of the Century Workforce Escarosa office that houses the system. “Anyone can do it, and it really, really saves all the time of going to Pensacola.
McCall tried the system Tuesday morning. He sat down to the screen and was able to carry on a natural conversation with a SSA representative in Pensacola. There was no awkward delay, and the picture was crystal clear.
Persons using the system do not have to be Escambia County or even Florida residents. Anyone can use the system since the Social Security Administration is a federal agency.
Two other SSA video systems are located in North Carolina and Mississippi.
The system is available at the Workforce Escarosa office at 8120 North Century Boulevard Monday – Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Pensacola SSA office at (850) 434-5488.
Among other things, the video conference system can be used to:
- Apply for Social Security retirement or spouse’s benefits.
- Apply for Social Security disability benefits (includes the Adult Disability Report).
- Apply for extra help with your Medicare prescription drug costs.
- Request a Social Security statement.
- Change your address or telephone number.
- Get a replacement Medicare card.
- Request a proof of income letter.
- Get a a Form 1099/1042S benefit statement.
Pictured above: John Sullivan (left) from the Pensacola Social Security Administration office talks about the SSA’s new video system at Workforce Escarosa. Also pictured are (L-R) Edna Earle Barnes from the Century Chamber of Commerce, Catharine Jeter from Workforce Escarosa and Century Mayor Freddie McCall. Pictured inset: McCall chats with a social security representative in Pensacola. Pictured below: The official chamber of commerce ribbon cutting. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
National Day Of Prayer Event Planned
May 6, 2009
Today is the National Day of Prayer and an area observance has been scheduled in Atmore.
“We believe many people recognize the need to pray for our great country and will want to join others in this special time of prayer,” said organizer Sharon Keesler, a Walnut Hill resident. “Many of us do not remember our country facing such difficult times, our community has not been exempt from them. It makes it all the more important to come together this year, on this day of prayer and thank God for His past blessings, and humbly ask Him to guide and direct our leaders and bless us in the future.”
The Atmore National Guard unit will lead the Pledge of Allegiance and raise the flag at the event. Atmore Councilman John Garrard will read a proclamation from Atmore Mayor Howard Shell.
Rev. Mike McMorris, Dr. Hattie Bishop, Rev. Jim Reece and Joe Brantley will lead the group in prayer planned by several area churches.
“We will be praying for the following areas government, military, media, education, business, church and families,” Keesler said.
The prayer service will be held at 6:00 Thursday evening on the lawn of the Atmore City Hall. Participants are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket. In the event of rain, the service will be moved inside City Hall.
The theme verse for the prayer service is Psalm 33:22 “Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we put our hope in thee.”
Final Teacher Appreciation Breakfast Held At Carver/Century
May 6, 2009
Teachers at Carver/Century K-8 School were treated to the school’s last ever Teacher Appreciation Breakfast Tuesday morning. The teachers were fed a complete breakfast by Carver/Century’s School Advisory Council and Abundant Life Assembly of God. It was announced at the breakfast that all of the teachers at the closing school have been offered jobs at other schools next year. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Deputies: It Could Be 7-10 Days Before Donkey Shooter Is Arrested
May 5, 2009
The 17-year old that shot and killed a donkey over the weekend off Jacks Branch Road remains free this afternoon, and deputies say it could be a week to 10 days before they have a warrant to arrest him.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Department has submitted the paperwork to the county’s judicial system to obtain an arrest warrant, according to Lt. Tony Jordan. But Jordan said under ordinary circumstances it can take 7-10 days for the courts to issue the warrant.
A 17-year old white male juvenile from Cantonment has confessed to deputies that he shot a donkey on River Annex Road near Jacks Branch Road late Saturday night. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Department says the juvenile will be charged with felony cruelty to animals causing death, using a weapon during the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a person under 18.
J.B., named after Jacks Branch, was born minutes before or after his mother’s death. For more, click here.
Pictured above: J.B., the donkey born minutes before or after his mother was shot and killed over the weekend by a 17-year old. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Telecom Company Moving About 60 Jobs To Atmore; Job Fair Next Week
May 5, 2009
About 60 new jobs will be created in Atmore when the international telecom company Americatel relocates call center and management positions to the town.
Americatel, based in Rockville, MD, provides international telecom services to immigrant and hispanics in the United States and Canada. Americatel will relocate customer operations positions that are presently staffed offshore to the Matrix Telecom facility on Brookwood Road in Atmore. Both companies are owned by Platinum Equity, LLC a private firm that acquires companies in the manufacturing, distribution, and communications sectors.
“On behalf of the City, I want to welcome Americatel to Atmore. They will provide good paying jobs to our citizens. The fact that they chose Atmore because of Matrix Telecom’s efficient customer operations speaks highly of Atmore’s workforce. We are very pleased to have them as part of our business community.” Atmore Mayor Howard Shell said.
“We’ll offer good pay, benefits and flexible work shifts to people who enjoy a structured work environment and who enjoy solving problems” said Stephen Wagner, executive vice president of Customer Operations at Matrix. “While multi-lingual skills are not required, we are particularly interested in hiring customer service professionals who have that knowledge”.
Americatel will hold a two day job fair next Monday and Tuesday from noon to 7 p.m. at the Matrix/Trinsic building at 201 Brookwood Road in Atmore.