Casino No Economic Jackpot For Atmore So Far; Another Town Plans Big I-65 Development
March 16, 2009
With the Wind Creek Casino opening earlier this year and businesses beginning to grow in the city’s Rivercane business development, Atmore has hedged a big bet for economic growth on Highway 21 and I-65, an area annexed into the city just a few years ago.
But so far, Atmore has not hit the jackpot. And recent announcements indicate that Atmore’s two aces in the hole may not be the only ones in the game. Another major casino could open an hour away, and another major I-65 development is in the works about half an hour away.
Atmore has not been immune to the economic downturn that has hit the nation, joining the ranks of cities that have been forced to cut back and layoff employees.
Atmore recently announced the layoff of six employees with the parks department and beautification department. The winter workload for the positions was minimal, and cutting the jobs had no great immediate impact on the city, Atmore Mayor Howard Shell said recently.
For anyone that is accustomed to traveling through Atmore, or even Highway 97 in North Escambia for that matter, it is obvious that the opening of the Wind Creek Casino & Hotel at Highway 21 and I-65 has increased traffic. While a few business people we spoke to along Atmore’s Main Street report an increase in foot traffic and sales, overall sales tax collections in the city are down slightly.
“There has not been an large upward trend in sales tax collections,” Mayor Shell told NorthEscambia.com. “They are almost at a level position and holding, but they are down a little bit from this time last year.”
Between Montgomery and Mobile, Greenville has the only exit with major retail development — a Wal-mart, numerous hotels, a host of restaurants and an eight-screen movie theater all within sight of I-65.
Atmore’s Rivercane 643-acre development at Highway 21 and I-65 is the announced home for a Hardee’s restaurant and a few hotels. The city hopes to lure more business to the development to drive sales tax revenue. The Poarch Creek Indians pay no taxes to Atmore on their casino and hotel operations, so the casino has not directly increased the city’s sales tax.
And now another nearby town has announced they are working on developing both of their I-65 exits. Evergreen, Ala., has announced that several new businesses are on the way to their exit developments — a Love’s Travel Stop and Country Store, a Vista Inn, a Sleep Inn and a Huddle House restaurant.
Also, a developer has announced he is working to build a casino and resort on the beach at Perdido Key in Escambia County, Florida, in conjunction with an Indian tribe. He has told Escambia leaders that it will be larger than the Atmore casino.
It’s the worst national economic climate Shell said he has seen during his 22 years as Atmore’s Mayor. It has caused concern in the city, he said, but for now it is business as usual in their push for economic development.
“We are working to be good stewards of the city’s finances. We are taking all the measures we can to be economically minded about how we spend money,” the mayor said. “Each time we have to be mindful about how we spend our dollars.”
“We are holding our own, and we are working everyday on ways to increase revenue,” he said. “I just hope it doesn’t get any worse.”
Escambia Sheriff’s Dept. To Shine The LITE On Crime
March 16, 2009
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is launching The Law Enforcement Initiative to Educate (LITE) Program, which will feature several public campaigns to educate members of the community about crime prevention and public safety.
Beginning in March, the Sheriff’s Office will debut the Shine the LITE on Crime campaign which brings crime prevention techniques to light and empowers community members to become more vigilant against crime.
The Shine the LITE on Crime campaign will target various areas of crime such as home invasions, residential burglaries, assaults, and sexual assaults, in an attempt to educate the community on ways to avoid becoming a victim of such crimes. The sheriff’s office will produce public service announcements and create promotional items to get the message out concerning crime prevention.
In addition to the Shine the LITE on Crime campaign, the sheriff’s office will be launching several other campaigns in the coming months to promote awareness concerning domestic violence, cyber safety and beach safety.
Were You Ever In 4-H? Tell Your Story
March 16, 2009
The Florida 4-H Youth Development Program is celebrating 100 years of helping young people develop a love of lifelong learning, leadership skills and self confidence.
As part of the celebration, Escambia County is asking former and current 4-H members, parents, volunteers and community partners to share their 4-H experiences in an essay format. “That’s My Florida 4-H Story” may recount a memorable event from your 4-H experience, or highlight a leader, volunteer, agent or parent that made a significant impact on you through 4-H.
Many youth earned significant learning experiences from the 4-H adult volunteers or professionals that guided them on their way. The stories of successful and failed project work in home and farm activities, as well as the leadership skills learned, are the basis for many of the stories 4-H is seeking in “That’s My Florida 4-H Story.”
It may also include experiences gained, activities enjoyed, skills learned and significant relationships developed with peers and adults. Also include basic contact information such as name, address, phone number and the associated 4-H club or program in which you were involved.
With more than 230,000 current members, Florida 4-H is the state’s largest non-formal youth development program. Projects range from aerospace and citizenship to horses and forestry.
Florida 4-H is the youth development program of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service (CES) headquartered in Gainesville within the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS). The CES is funded by a partnership between federal, state and county government agencies.
“That’s My Florida 4-H Story” may be sent to the Escambia County Extension Office, 3740 Stefani Rd. Cantonment, FL 32533, or emailed to kdb@ufl.edu by March 18.
Hundreds Gather To Pray For Local Schools
March 15, 2009
Hundreds of people gathered at Jay High School Saturday afternoon to pray for schools across the area.
The prayer service came about two months after a federal judge issued an order against any prayer or promotion of religion in Santa Rosa County Schools. Saturday’s gathering was not impacted by the judge’s order since it was not a school sanctioned event.
“We are not here for any political reasons,” Pastor William Rushing from Jay First Baptist Church told the crowd. “We are here to pray for our schools.”
After a brief assembly to begin, the faithful gathered in different locations around the school to pray. In the middle of the football field, at doorways into buildings, under walkways — they stood together and raised area schools and students in prayer as a light rain periodically fell.
Two shofars — the Hebrew word for horns — were blown sevens time during the event to change the prayer focus. On the first trumpet blast, people prayed for wisdom for the school board that they might make the right decisions. The second trumpet blast signified a time to pray for teachers, administrators, counselors and support staff.
The third trumpet blast called for prayer for the parents and their service as volunteers to the teachers and activities at school such as PTO, PTA and Parent’s Support Groups. The fourth trumpet began a time of prayer for protection and safety for students. The next trumpet sounding was for prayer for a spirit of excellence in the classroom and athletic events.
The sixth trumpet played for a time of prayer for students to willingly and boldly share the truth of Jesus Christ with their classmates. The final trumpet blast called for conclusion to the event. The hundreds gathered around the school shouted praises and thanksgiving to recognize God’s work in the past and expectations for the future.
The event was dubbed “Sounding the Trumpet, A Call To Prayer” based upon Biblical scripture from Joel 2:1-18 where the prophet Joel uses the sounding of a shofar as a call to the people of Jerusalem to pray.
Over dozen area churches sponsored the event, including Berrydale Baptist, Brownsdale Baptist, Cobbtown Christian, Cobbtown Holiness, Jay First Baptist, Jay Pentacostal, Jay United Methodist, Mt. Carmel United Methodist, Pine Level Baptist and Poplar Dell Baptist Church.
For a complete photo gallery from the service, click here.
This article is part of our new “Hometown People” series, spotlighting people and places from North Escambia, Atmore, Flomaton, Jay and surrounding areas. If you know someone that you would like to see featured on our “Hometown People” series, email news@northescambia.com
Pictured above: Scenes from the prayer service at Jay High School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Preston Places Second For His Violin Sonata
March 15, 2009
A McDavid youth won second place in a violin contest Saturday in Pensacola.
Ben Preston placed second in the 30th annual Pensacola Music Teachers Association Sonata Contest in the Strings One division for violins.
Ben is the son of David and Ramona Preston. He is a student at Pensacola Christian Academy.
Pen Air Names New President
March 15, 2009
Pen Air Federal Credit Union’s Board of Directors has named Ron Fields to serve as the credit union’s president and chief executive officer.
Fields has been serving as the interim president and CEO since November 2008, after the untimely death of former President and Chief Executive Officer John A. Davis, Jr.
Fields has been with Pen Air Federal Credit Union since 2001, serving as the executive vice president and chief financial officer. Fields’ career in the credit union industry stretches over 30 years, including active memberships with the Credit Union Executive Society and National Association of Federal Credit Unions.
“We have great confidence in Ron’s leadership,” said Chairman of the Board Maurice Johnson. “His talent and personal qualities, as well as his experience and knowledge of this industry will allow for a seamless transition and set the stage for a strong future.”
As president and CEO, Fields will oversee Pen Air Federal Credit Union, established in 1936, which has over $900 million in assets and over 90,000 member-owners. Pen Air Federal Credit Union has 15 locations in Northwest Florida and South Alabama, including a location in Century.
“I really appreciate the Board of Directors and their confidence in my abilities,” Fields said. “As we move forward, I will keep in mind the best interest of Pen Air’s member-owners, while ensuring the continued strength and security that our member-owners have come to expect from Pen Air Federal Credit Union.”
Farm Bureau Has Legislative Agenda
March 15, 2009
As the Florida Legislature convenes to focus on budget issues during a period of revenue shortfalls, Florida Farm Bureau Federation says it is on guard against unintended consequences that could adversely affect the state’s second-largest industry. The Federation is the state’s largest agricultural organization and speaks for family farmers.
Legislators, facing a revenue shortfall of $5 to $7 billion, are looking to bolster revenues by increasing fees, eliminating some sales tax exemptions and increasing taxes. At the same time, they realize they will have to decrease state spending. It adds up to a perilous time for the state’s agriculture industry.
“Our state legislative team is going to have to play some strong defense to ensure our family farmers are not disproportionately impacted,” said Florida Farm Bureau President John L. Hoblick. “Strong family farms contribute to a strong Florida. That has been demonstrated time and time again, particularly in tough economic times. All Floridians have a stake in keeping Florida agriculture producing and continuing to make a $100 billion annual economic impact, particularly as other segments of the economy contract.”
Hoblick noted the recently released 2007 Census of Agriculture shows an overall increase in the number of farms in the state and the value of agricultural products sold. While other segments of the economy have faltered, agriculture continues to be a strong pillar of the economy.
Ben Parks, Farm Bureau’s director of State Legislative Affairs, said the Federation would be joining with commodity organization and allied groups to ward off attacks on agriculture’s sales tax exemptions and state’s Greenbelt property tax classification for agricultural operations.
“Each one of these sales tax exemptions has been put in place for a reason,” Parks said. “As the legislature reviews them, we will be reminding lawmakers why they exist and why they are necessary to keep Florida producers competitive in the national and global markets.”
Parks said Farm Bureau would also be watching to ensure institutions upon which agriculture depends, such as the University of Florida/IFAS and the Florida Department of Agriculture, do not sustain disproportionate budget cuts.
Florida Farm Bureau also has identified some priorities in the areas of energy and the environment, taxes and fees and local government actions. The organization will continue to support renewable energy and energy efficiency programs that benefit agriculture and the state.
Farm Bureau will seek tax relief at the state level on the purchase of all agricultural inputs. It will also pursue relief at the county level from local business taxes for agricultural operations as well as a clarification of the definition and requirements for non-residential farm buildings. It will also seek to prohibit local governments from imposing tax assessments or fees for stormwater management on agricultural lands with discharge permits or where best management practices are implemented.
Additionally, Farm Bureau will encourage legislation to prohibit local governments from enforcing regulations on agricultural lands which duplicate state, federal or water management district regulations.
Hundreds Pray For Schools
March 14, 2009
Hundreds gathered this afternoon at Jay High School to pray for the schools in our area. Shofar horns were sounded during the service. The horn, made from a ram’s horn, is sometimes used in religious ceremonies. NorthEscambia.com will have a full story and a complete photo gallery Sunday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
EXCLUSIVE: Gulf Power Purchasing North Escambia Land For Possible Power Plant, Could Be Nuclear
March 14, 2009
NorthEscambia.com has learned that Gulf Power Company is purchasing land in North Escambia for a possible power generation plant — maybe even a nuclear plant.
Gulf Power has already purchased two parcels totaling just over 100 acres in the 200 block of Roach Road near McDavid. Area residents tell NorthEscambia.com that a Gulf Power representative has gone door to door along Cox, Holland and Roach roads telling residents that Gulf Power wants to purchase their property for a possible nuclear power plant.
“We are looking for property to purchase in that area for a generating facility,” Gulf Power Company Manager of Public Affairs Sandy Sims told NorthEscambia.com. “What kind of generating facility it will be has not been determined at this point.”
When asked about the rumors that the plant could be a nuclear power plant, Sims replied, “We can’t rule anything out at this point. We are looking at a diverse portfolio of options for the future.”
Sims said the plant could be nuclear, natural gas powered or even an advanced technology like wind or solar. “We really can’t rule out any possibility right now.”
Whatever the type of power generation facility, the earliest it would likely produce its first kilowatt of electricity would be the year 2020, and perhaps as late as 2025.
The property purchased on Roach Road and the offers to purchase other land in the area does not necessarily mean that anything will ever be constructed on the land by Gulf Power, Sims said.
The new facility that might be located near McDavid would presumably at least partially replace the coal powered Gulf Power Crist Plant in Pensacola, she said.
Neighbors Not Happy
Whether the power generation plant is nuclear or gas powered, residents along the quiet roads in the Roach and Cox Road areas are not happy.
“You don’t want a nuclear plant in your backyard,” said Cox Road resident Frank Way. “You don’t want any kind of power plant here. We live in a quiet neighborhood where people just don’t want that kind of thing.”
“This is home,” Suzanne Rigby said. She and her husband have lived in the same house on Cox Road for almost 40 years. “We don’t want to leave. We don’t want to even think about moving.”
Their sentiments were echoed by other residents NorthEscambia.com spoke with Friday. And we heard another concern from each area resident that talked to us — they were being pressured to sell.
“The man was real intimidating to my wife,” Way said. “He told her we would have to sell whether we wanted to or not because they were going to build a nuclear plant or maybe natural gas.”
“He was very high pressure,” Rigby said. “He told us we had to sell.”
“Our property is not for sale,” Way added.
NorthEscambia.com will continue to follow this story and bring you the latest updates.
Pictured above: The property in the 200 block of Roach Road that was purchased by Gulf Power Company. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Walnut Hill Resident Finds Suspicious People In His Backyard
March 14, 2009
A Walnut Hill resident reported to deputies that he found two suspicious people in his backyard early Friday afternoon.
The Morgan Road resident told Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies that he arrived at his home to find two black males in a truck in his backyard. The truck was described as a white work-type truck with a toolbox.
The two men reportedly told the man that they were at the home to fix a refrigerator. But the resident told deputies that no one had been called to do any type of repairs at the home.
Deputies searched the area for the truck and its occupants, but they were unable to locate either.
Anyone with information about this incident or who may have seen the truck in the Morgan Road area of Walnut Hill is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department at 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at 433-STOP.