Town Of Century Approves $44 Million In Funding For High Rise Apartments, Charter School
December 9, 2009
The Town of Century has signed off on $44 million in financing for two apartment complex renovations and to construct a charter school expansion in Miami.
The Century Town Council’s approval for the bond issues came as a member of the Capital Trust Agency, an independent public body for the purpose of financing or otherwise accomplishing development programs. Century entered into the Capital Trust Agency with Gulf Breeze in 1999 with Century essentially serving as the “second signature” for CTA.
Century approved three finance ordinances. The first, for up to $15 million, will fund an American Opportunity Foundation, Inc. project to renovate the T.M. Alexander Apartments in Miami. The second will provide AOF $18 million in financing for renovations of the low income Civic Tower Apartments (pictured above) in Miami, and the third will finance the expansion of the Miami Community Charter School, Inc. from a K-8 to a K-12 school for $11 million.
If all of the finance bonds are issued at full amount by CTA, Century will receive $15,400 for their approval signatures. Since the inception of the CTA partnership between Century and Gulf Breeze in 1999, Century has received $468,000 in fees on 17 projects.
The council was quick to approve the two apartment projects. But when presented the charter school project by town attorney Matt Dannheisser, there was obvious hesitancy over the $11 million in funding from a council that controls an annual budget of just $4.5 million.
“I don’t know…” Council member Sharon Scott said before pausing and not continuing her comment.
Century lost their last school when Carver/Century K-8 School was closed and combined this year with Bratt Elementary and Ernest Ward Middle. There have been some unofficial discussions about forming a charter school in the town.
After the council approved the Miami charter school funding, Dannheisser presented the council with contact information for the school.
“They may be able to provide you a head start if that’s something (a charter school) that the council wants,” he said.
The $44 million in funding does not come from the Town of Century or the City of Gulf Breeze. It comes from funds belonging to CTA, which has funded projects with Century’s approval ranging from a Seminole Indian resort and a health care facility in Kansas.
Dannheisser said that the CTA is structured in such a way to indemnify Century from any financial risk, whether it be from a company that defaults on repayment or any other legal liabilities.
Pictured above: Century has signed off on a $18 million bond issue to renovate these apartments in Miami. Photo courtesy Google for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Atmore Family Named As Alabama’s Young Farm Family Of The Year
December 9, 2009
Gaylan and Angie Shelly of Atmore were chosen as the 2009 Outstanding Young Farm Family during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 88th annual meeting Monday night in Mobile.
The Shellys, who have five children and nearly 2,400 acres of row crops, were selected to compete for the award after being named the Outstanding Young Farm Family in the Cotton Division earlier this year.
The Shellys have a diversified farm that includes cotton, corn, soybeans and wheat – some of which is located in North Escambia. They increased their profit margin over the last couple years by adding grain storage facilities and a trucking business, Gaylan said.
”We built the grain storage bins so we could have more control over when we sold our grain,” Gaylan said. “Then the trucking made sense to me because it always seemed like I was waiting on a truck when my grain needed hauling.”
Gaylan said selling corn to poultry feed companies has allowed him to receive additional money for his corn. “It allows me to cut out the middle man when I sell my corn directly to the end user,” he said. “They’re happy with my corn, and I get more money for my corn. That makes me happy.”
As the 2009 Outstanding Young Farm Family, the Shellys will participate in many activities promoting Alabama agriculture during the coming year.
The Shellys will represent Alabama at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting in Seattle, Wash., Jan. 10-13, and will receive the use of a 2010 Dodge Journey, $500 cash from Dodge, a John Deere Gator courtesy of the Federal Land Bank of Alabama, a new computer package from ValCom Wireless/CCS Technology Centers located in Abbeville and Dothan, Ala., and several other prizes.
Gaylan, 35, grew up in a farm family in Escambia County. He still farms with his dad, Arlan, and although they aren’t partners, Gaylan said they share equipment and often help each other on their respective farms.
Both Gaylan and Angie said they like their children growing up on a family farm. Angie, 32, home schools the older children and is president of the local home school association. She said she particularly likes cotton harvest time when the weather is cooler and the children can play in the cotton.
For Gaylan, any time he can spend with his family is special, but admits with five children, they have to take turns going to work with him in the fields. “I guess my favorite time of year on the farm is when I spray the crops,” he said. “That’s the time of year I can look over everything and really see how the crops are doing.”
This past year, the entire family got into the farming business. The corn planter skipped a large area in the middle of a field, and Gaylan said it would have been a shame to waste the fertilizer that already had been applied.
“So the kids planted watermelons,” Angie said. “It was a great experience for them and for all of us really. They ended up with lots of watermelons. We took them to the farmers market and the kids sold lots of them. They sold some in the front yard where they had homemade signs. They were pretty good salesmen really, and they’re already planning to do it again next year.”
Gaylan said he wasn’t surprised by how much the children liked the experience of growing and selling their own crop. “They’ve already got farming in their blood,” he said with a smile.
Alabama Farmers Federation Young Farmers Director Brandon Moore said the awards program seeks to honor families like the Shellys, not just for what they are doing, but also for the inspiration they provide other farmers around the state.
“The Shellys exemplify all that is good about agriculture,” Moore said. “They not only run their farm well, but truly are examples of how farming is more than just a job, it is a wonderful way of life.”
Pictured: Alabama Farmers Federation President Jerry A. Newby presents the Outstanding Young Farm Family Award to the Shelly family of Atmore in Escambia County. The Shellys were awarded a new John Deere Gator by the Federal Land Bank Association of Alabama. From left are, Newby, the Shelly family (Gaylan Shelly with Breah, Drew, Kaleigh, Angie, Alana and Valen) and sponsors Doug Thiessen and Ben Gore of the Federal Land Bank of South Alabama. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Grad Signs As Kicker For Washington Redskins
December 9, 2009
The Washington Redskins have signed a Tate High School graduate as their new place kicker.
The Redskins announced Tuesday that they have signed place kicker Graham Gano to the roster and released Shaun Suisham. Gano, a rookie out of Florida State, was with the Baltimore Ravens in preseason but lost the kicking job to Steve Hauschka. Gano, 22, was born in Arbroath, Scotland, and grew up in Pensacola, graduating from Tate High School in 2005 as an All-America First-Team selection by USA Today.
Gano was with the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League earlier this year. He converted 14-of-16 field goals, including a league-high 53-yarder, and he also kicked the game-winner in the UFL championship game.
At Florida State, Gano won the Lou Groza Award as the league’s best kicker and exarned All-America honors during his senior season. He made 24-of-26 field goals, including 18 in a row, for the Seminoles.
Gano, 6-1 and 200 pounds, replaces Suisham, who has served as the Redskins’ kicker since December 2006. Suisham missed a 23-yard field goal in the fourth quarter of last Sunday’s game vs. New Orleans. It proved to be a critical miss, as the Saints rallied to defeat the Redskins 33-30. Suisham had connected on 18-of-21 field goals for the Redskins in 2009.
Gano’s debut with the Redskins will be this Sunday in Oakland against the Raiders. He has a three year contract.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Your Help Needed: Christmas Care Packages For Troops In Iraq
December 9, 2009
A Molino woman is asking the North Escambia community to help her send Christmas care packages to American troops serving in Iraq.
Katie Hilburn’s fiancee, Spc. Ben Piatt, also of Molino, is two months into his tour of duty as a combat engineer in northern Iraq. He is schedule to be in Iraq until October of next year.
After hearing about the soldiers’ needs, Hilburn decided to send the care packges to Piatt’s unit in Iraq during the Christmas season.
“There are a lot of soldiers who don’t have family or have anyone to send them stuff, and I want to make sure that they do get stuff this year,” Hilburn, 20, said. “I am asking the community to go to Cole’s Barbershop and donate supplies.”
The supplies will be collected at Cole’s until Monday, December 14. They will then be shipped to Piatt, 21, and his unit in Iraq. Cole’s Barbershop is located next to Fran’s Country Grill on Highway 29.
Items being collected include:
Body Care
Mens liquid body soap
Shampoo
Baby wipes
Q-tips
Shaving cream
Razors
Foot powder
Chap stick
Food
Ramen noodles (in the cup)
Beef jerky
Cereal bars
Peanuts
Cookies
Candy bars
Crystal Light (peach tea, lemon tea)
Popcorn (microwavable)
Saltine crackers
Peanut butter
Fruit cups
Macaroni and cheese (in a cup)
Miscellaneous
Playing cards
DVD’s
Magazine’s (hunting, fishing, guns, sports)
Games
International phone cards
Pictured top: Katie Hilburn and her fiancee Spc. Ben Piatt prior to his deployment to northern Iraq. Pictured inset: Spc. Piatt in Iraq. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Free H1N1 Vaccinations Offered At Ernest Ward Middle School
December 9, 2009
Voluntary H1N1 vaccination clinics will be held for students Ernest Ward Middle School next Monday; permission forms must be returned by Thursday.
Vaccination is voluntary, free and offered only to students; these are not vaccination clinics for the general public, according to Molly Payne-Hardin, spokesperson for the Escambia County Health Department.
Vaccine information sheets and permission forms were sent home with students on Monday. Parents that did not receive a permission form call Ernest Ward at (850) 327-4283 to request another form.
Previous North Escambia vaccination clinics have been held at Bratt, Byrneville, Jim Allen and Molino Park elementary schools, and at Northview High School.
A vaccination click open to the general public will be held Saturday in Century. For more information on that clinic, click here.
Caught Smoking Crack From A Can: Jay Man Busted In Bluff Springs
December 9, 2009
A Jay man was arrested after a law enforcement officer found him in his truck smoking crack cocaine from an aluminum can.
Ernest Earl Creamer, 48, of Cherry Street, Jay, was arrested Friday night by Florida Fish and Wildlife Lt. Brian Lambert in the Bluff Springs community. Creamer was charged with felony possession on cocaine, felony possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and misdemeanor possession of drug equipment.
Lambert said he found Creamer alone in his pickup truck stopped in the road. When he approached the vehicle, he said he could smell a strong chemical odor as Creamer rolled down his window. He said he discovered Creamer was smoking crack cocaine in an aluminum can, and he found another small rock of crack on the front seat of the truck. He also reported finding a dozen Xanax pills in Creamer’s possession without a prescription.
“He basically admitted to buying about $30 worth of crack and smoking it,” Lambert said.
Creamer was booked into the Escambia County Jail. He was released Monday on $5,500 bond. He is due back in court on December 23 for an arraignment hearing.
Salvation Army Needs Christmas Help For Hundreds Of Children
December 9, 2009
Hundreds of needy children have not been adopted for Christmas. The Salvation Army in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties is seeking people to adopt a child or family for the Christmas season.
“Instead of buying a gift for someone who has everything, adopt an angel in their honor.” said Yvonne Warthen Christmas coordinator.
People interested in providing support to a struggling family through the program have until Thursday, December 10, to sign up. They can do so by calling (850) 432-1501 ext. 13 or emailing escarosa@uss.salvationarmy.org. Callers should denote the sex and number of children or the size of the family they want to sponsor.
Salvation Army staff will provide the sponsors with their recipient family’s gift request list. The families’ identities will remain confidential, though sponsors will know the ages and genders of its family members.
The large number of unmatched children and families results from the economic downturn and a declining supply of jobs, said Warthen.
For more information on the Christmas programs supported by the Salvation Army, visit call 850.432.1501 ext. 13 or email escarosa@uss.salvationarmy.org.
PCA Beats Jay; Tate Over Pace In OT; EA Wins Big
December 9, 2009
In Tuesday basketball action, The Jay Royals feel to Pensacola Christian, and the Tate Aggies slipped past Pace in overtime.
PCA 55, Jay 41
Pensacola Christian Academy beat Jay Tuesday in Jay. The Royals were led by Hunter Boutwell with a dozen points.
PCA — Hawkins 4, Harrison 2, Kuloba 10, Riche 4, Goetsch 23, Andrews 12.
Jay (2-2) — Dee Walker 5, Luke Rowell 2, Hunter Boutwell 12, Doug Fischer 10, Conner Weekes 2, Steven Brabham 8, Todd Laney 2.
PCA 12 11 7 25-55 Jay 6 12 13 10-41
Tate 65, Pace 63 OT
The Tate Aggies (6-0, 3-0) slipped past the Pace Patriots Tuesday in overtime.The top scorer for the Aggies was Petey Jones with 15.\
Pace — Keith Colvin 2, Tyler Swanson 11, Rob Smith 6, Jason Varney 18, Drew Simpson 5, Sam Irvin 14, Ross Fruge 7.
Tate — Edwin Richburg 7, Armani Costen 1, Petey Jones 15, Chris Walden 13, Kevin Brown 10, Dylan Anderson 10, Dakota Buttitta 3, Shermonne Jones 4, Adam Srumpf 2.
Pace 10 20 15 11 7-65 Tate 12 23 9 12 9-63
Escambia Academy 66 Patrician 36
Escambia Academy beat Patrician 66-36 Tuesday in Canoe. Michael Hippa led the Cougars with 16 points, the only player in double digits.
EA — Michael Hippa 16, James White 8, Nate Smith 7, Keaton Maher 9, Darron McGhee 5, Jake Wasden 3, Brandon Goddard 6, Tanner Kirk 2, Wade Matthews 2, Jarrett Hadley 5, Jalen Henry 4, Tanner Boatwright 1.
Escambia Academy 66 Patrician 56 OT (girls)
In girls basketball, Escambia Academy beat Patrician 66-56 in overtime Tuesday in Canoe. The Cougars (5-1) put a dozen points on the board in overtime while holding Patrician to just two.
EA — Amber Huskey 16, Taylor Helton 16, Jordan Jaye 14, Kristin Matthews 8, Kayleigh Miller 8.
EA 8 9 16 21 12-66 Patrician 12 17 16 9 2-56
Johnnie Mae Bowman
December 8, 2009
Johnnie Mae Bowman, who had been a sales assistant at Walmart, died Saturday, December 5 at medical facility in Jay, Fla., after a brief illness. She was 73.
Mrs. Bowman, a native of Jay, was a resident of Flomaton and a former resident of Michigan.
Survivors include one son, Carl R. Bowman Jr. of South Lyon, Mich.; one brother, J.B. Jackson of Century, Fla.; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 Tuesday at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Brewton, where the service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday. Burial will follow in Green Acres Cemetery in Brewton.
Michael L. ‘Mike’ Caro
December 8, 2009
Michael L. ‘Mike’ Caro of Molino, passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2009.
Mike was born and raised in Myrtle Grove and a life long resident of Escambia County. A 1968 graduate of Escambia High School, he went on to work at G. C. Murphy, the Naval Aviation Depot and Rework Facility, and was employed as a Maintenance Technician with Sacred Heart Hospital for the past eight years.
A man of integrity, Mike greeted everyone with a friendly smile, and a firm handshake, loving hug, or a reassuring pat on the back. He maintained a servant’s heart throughout his life serving his Lord through faithful service and a prayerful heart. Mike served on the leadership boards and as a Deacon at Cottage Hill Assembly, Brentwood Assembly of God and Kingsfield Worship Center.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, Willard L. ‘Buddy’ Caro; his mother, Mary Louise Caro; and mother-in-law, Thelma Louise McDonald.
Mike is survived by his wife, Wanda G. Caro; son, M. Bryan Caro (Shone); brother, Mark Caro (Betty); uncle, Loam Brown (Naomi); uncle, Marion Jones; granddaughters, Kathryn and Courtney Caro; grandson, Bryson Caro; and beloved family friend, Vernon Cole.
Visitation will be Wednesday, December 9, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, at First Assembly of God, 4301 Bayou Boulevard, Pensacola.
Celebration of Life Services will be Thursday, December 10, at 1:00 PM at First Assembly of God, with Interment immediately following at Pensacola Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Jimmy Crisswell, Robert Elliott, Steve Lockman, Everett Lockman, Terry Miller, and Ashley Stukey. Honorary Pallbearers include James Coberly, Joel Coberly, Jerry Lowe, John Raley, Chris White, Carl Whitson, Jon Jones, and the Facilities Maintenance Division of Sacred Heart Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Covenant Hospice, 5401 N. 12th Avenue, Pensacola, Florida 32504.
Pensacola Memorial Gardens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.