Over 20,000 Unemployed In Escambia, Santa Rosa
October 20, 2009
The unemployment rate across Florida continues to rise, with 11 percent of Florida workers out of a job in September, the highest number since 1975. The number of people without jobs increased in Escambia County last month, while Santa Rosa County actually had more people go back to work.
During September, there were 264 more people in Escambia County that lost their jobs, while in Santa Rosa County, 270 previously unemployed people found a job.
Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for September 2009 is 11.0 percent. This represents 1,012,000 jobless out of a labor force of 9,193,000. The unemployment rate is up 0.2 percentage point from the revised August rate of 10.8 percent and is up 4.3 percentage points from the September 2008 rate. The state’s current unemployment rate is 1.2 percentage points higher than the national unemployment rate of 9.8 percent. The last time the unemployment rate was as high as the September rate was October 1975 when the rate was also 11.0 percent.
In Escambia County, the September unemployment rate was 9.8 percent, up from 9.6 percent a month ago. There were 13,754 unemployed persons in Escambia County during September. In September 2008, the unemployment rate was 6.3 percent.
In Santa Rosa County, the September unemployment rate was 9.4 percent, a decrease from 9.7 percent a month ago. There were 6,537 unemployed persons in Santa Rosa County during September. In September 2008, the unemployment rate was 6.0 percent.
Salvation Army Accepting Applications For Christmas Assistance
October 20, 2009
Christmas is just around the corner, and the Salvation Army is getting ready to help North Escambia residents in need with application days scheduled in Walnut Hill and Century.
“We expect the need to be greater this year,” Yvonne Warthen, Christmas and volunteer coordinator for the Salvation Army’s Pensacola Corps.
“With the economy, we believe that more people will need assistance,” she said. “This comes at a time where our donations are down, also due to the economy, so it is important that people register for assistance early and not wait to the last minute.”
Applications for assistance will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 31 at the Walnut Hill Community Center on Highway 97; and Saturday, November 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Century Ag Building on West Highway 4.
For more information call (850) 432-1501 or email escarosa@uss.salvationarmy.org.
The following requirements for assistance were provided by The Salvation Army:
In order for The Salvation Army to process the application for Christmas assistance, applicants must bring the items listed below.
- Photo ID of all persons 18 years and older
- Social Security Card(s) for everyone in household
- Birth Certificates/Proof of legal custody of all children 13 years and younger
- Proof of all income for the last 30 days
- TANF/Cash Assistance
- Social Security/SSI statement
- Food Stamps statement from Department of Children and Families
- Child Support statement
- Pension statement
- Paystubs for the last 30 days
- If no income, please provide a notarized statement verifying no income (Note: If a family member or friend is helping with bills or income, you must provide a notarized statement from that person, verifying that they are assisting you.)
- Proof of all expenses
- Rent/Mortgage (copy of lease or mortgage statement)
- Home Owners Insurance/Taxes statement
- Gas/Sanitation bill
- Water/Sewer bill
- Electric bill
- Cable/Satellite bill
- Telephone/Cell phone bill
- Car payment statement
- Car insurance bill
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Medical expenses
- Life insurance
- Credit card statements
- Bank/student loans statement
- Proof of childcare expenses
Jury Trials Delayed For Two Arrested In Drug Sweep
October 20, 2009
Jury trials were scheduled to begin Monday for two of the 19 people arrested during a drug sweep in Century back in May, but their trials have been delayed about two months.
Sonya Alexas Carter, 26, was arrested in May at her 807 Salters Lake Road home and charged with possession of cocaine, marijuana possession not more than 20 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was released from jail May 29 on $17,500 bond. She has pleaded not guilty and is now scheduled for a jury trial on December 21.
Carter was employed as a corrections officer at Century Correctional Institution prior to her arrest, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department. She was, according to the Florida Department of Corrections, terminated from her position with the prison.
Johnnie Lee Carter, 28, was arrested in May at his home at 807 Salters Lake Road and charged with possession of cocaine, marijuana possession not more than 20 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released from Jail May 29 on $17,500 bond. He also pleaded not guilty and is now scheduled for a jury trial on December 21.
Accountant Offers Prediction: Century Will Have A Good Budget Year
October 20, 2009
The Town of Century’s accountant predicts that the new fiscal year will be a good one financially for the town.
“It looks better this year than this time last year,” Robert Hudson, Century’s accountant, said. He predicted that by the middle the of the budget year, which started October 1, “I think our incomes will wind up being a little more than we budgeted.”
The total budget approved by the town council was $4,587,744 — an increase over last year’s $3,154,355 budget. The increase this year is due to $1.83 million for a water infrastructure project being funded by a grant.
Outside of the grant-funded water project, the town’s biggest source of revenue — $1,707, 600 — is from water, gas and sewer charges, and the biggest expense is $1,246,579 to pay for the costs associated with providing the water, sewer and natural gas service for the town’s residents.
The ad valorem millage rate for the town remained at .823 per $1,000. The ad valorem taxes are estimated to provide Century with $26,000 in revenue during the October 1, 2009, to September 30, 2010, budget year.
“Considering the economy, I think we are doing pretty good,” Hudson told the Century Town Council Monday night.
Volleyball: The Northview Chiefs Beat The Escambia Gators
October 20, 2009
Both the varsity and junior varsity Northview Lady Chiefs beat Escambia High School in volleyball Monday night.
Northview vs Escambia, FL – Varsity
19-25 15-25 25-10 25-21 15-8
**Northview Winning**
Shawna Montgomery 11 M Kills-7, Aces-4, Blocks -1
Caitlin Hall 12 Setter Assists–12, Blocks-1, Aces-4
Angela Rodriguez 12 LS/Middle Kills-2, Aces-6
Raylin Spence 10 LS Kills – 1, Aces- 3, Digs – 4
Shaniqua Jones 11 M Kills-5, Aces-2
Record – Overall – 8 -15; District 4 -4
Northview Vs Escambia, FL – JV
25-22 28-26
**Northview Winning**
Trestine Dean 11 Setter Assists –3, Aces-1
Morgan Payne 09 Middle/Setter Aces – 1, Kills -2
Josie Doucette 10 Middle Kills – 3
Cheyanne Garnett 09 RS Aces-1, Assist-1
Video: NHS Tribal Beat Performs With All South High School Band
October 20, 2009
The Northview High School Tribal Beat Band participated in the All South Band Day at the University of Southern Mississippi recently.
The Tribal Beat members as well as the other participating bands were given the music for “The Hand That Feeds” by Nine Inch Nails and received instructions from USM band members, instructors, band directors and others.
After working in sectionals for about 45 minutes, the entire All South High School Band — including the NHS Tribal Beat — took to the practice filed to prepare for the Southern Miss halftime show. The Northview students were able to watch part of the USM Golden Eagles football game against Virginia before taking the field to perform with USM’s band “The PRIDE” at halftime.
“This was definitely a wonderful music educational experience for all who participated, not to mention really, really fun,” said NHS Tribal Beat Band Director Scott Slay. “I look forward to taking NHS to this event again as well as others.”
For more submitted photos, click here.
If you do not see the video above, it is because your employer, school or personal firewall is blocking external videos. Submitted video for NorthEscambia.com.
Pictured above: Northview Tribal Beat Band members watch a University of Southern Mississippi football game prior to performing during the halftime show. Pictured inset: The USM band “The PRIDE” and the All South High School Band perform. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Possible Gas Leak Sends Two People To The Hospital
October 19, 2009
Two people were transported to the hospital Monday morning after becoming ill from a possible gas leak in their home.
One of the victims called for ambulance about 9:15 a.m. and reported that they were extremely ill, and they suspected a gas leak in their home on West Pond Street in Century.
Two people — a 20-year old female and a five-year old child — were transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.
Firefighters from the Escambia Fire Rescue reported an improperly installed heater inside the home and turned the gas off. Lifeguard Ambulance from Santa Rosa County also responded to the call.
The victims’ conditions were not available.
Red Flag Warning Today; Cold Tonight Followed By Warming Trend
October 19, 2009
Tonight, we’ll be cold again, and then we will begin warming trend that will lead to lows in the 60’s and highs in the upper 70’s. It will stay dry until Thursday, when a good chance of rain creeps back into our forecast.
There is a red flag warning in effect for tomorrow due to low humidity that will lead to dangerous fire growth potential. Outdoor burning should be avoided.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Clear, with a low around 39. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
- Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 73. East wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 47. East wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. East wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. East wind around 5 mph.
- Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. Southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Thursday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a high near 79. South wind around 10 mph becoming west. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Friday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Northwest wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 74.
- Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 53.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 76.
Molino Park Students Study Egypt In Global Corner Program
October 19, 2009
Students at Molino Park Elementary School took a grand field trip last week to the faraway world of Egypt, thanks to Pensacola non-profit organization called The Global Corner International Learning Center.
During the week, Molino Park students learned how to write their numbers from waahid to ashara (1-10) or about hieroglyphs and the history of writing; about ancient and modern Egyptian musical instruments and dances; what it’s like to be growing up in Egypt today; about the world during Ancient Egyptian times (including how the Egyptians used a dung beetle as an important symbol); and how to say their color and shape words in Arabic or about the Ancient Egyptian art schema.
“Our goal is to help children understand the world around them,” Global Corner founder Lee Little said. “We bring the world to life one child at a time.”
Little founded the Global Corner after she retired from the Navy in 2006.
“I went from being in charge of 400 people and 100 airplanes to being a teacher out of my station wagon,” Little, the former commodore of Training Air Wing 6 at Pensacola Naval Air Station, said. “I think it is important that children learn about the world around them.”
Little, who speaks Japanese, chose Japan for the first Global Corner lessons because she once lived there. That was followed by Spain last year, to coincide with Pensacola’s 450th birthday observance with the visiting Spanish tall ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain.
She picked Egypt for this year’s lesson because she wanted a country on the African continent, and “Egpyt is such a fun place. All of the kids of hear about it”.
Little spent time in a foreign policy think tank, helping to shape the United State’s understanding of North and South Korea. She would tell people about her job and realized that Americans just did not understand the world around them.
“You could meet people and talk to them about foreign countries, and their eyes would just glaze over. Americans, in general, just don’t know much about the world around them.”
With a Master’s degree in international affairs, she saw two possible ways to bring a worldly understanding to residents of Pensacola and surrounding communities. The obvious choice seemed to be becoming a college professor, but she decided to start a little younger with the Global Corner.
Molino Park’s Egyptian adventure did not end with last week’s classroom presentations. The Global Corner has a website — theglobalcorner.org — where parents and children can visit to learn more about Egypt and the Global Corner program. Since the program is presented in area schools for free, the organization also needs donations to continue their programs. Details on on the website.
Molino Park is not the only North Escambia school that will visit Egypt this school year via the Global Corner. The program is scheduled to visit Jim Allen Elementary January 11-15, Bratt Elementary January 21-22 and Byrneville Elementary April 6-8.
Lee said she plans to offer the program again next school year with a visit to a South American country, mostly likely Brazil.
Click here for more photos from Global Corner at Molino Park Elementary.
Pictured top: Students learn about Egypt during Global Corner week at Molino Park Elementary School. Pictured top inset: Learning to “walk like an Egyptian” is a necessity when learning about the country. Pictured inset: Students created Egyptian art. Pictured below: Global Corner at Molino Park. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Reminder: Portion Of Barrineau Park Road Closed For Bridge Repair
October 19, 2009
Barrineau Park Road was closed Friday from Jacks Branch Road to Barrineau Park School Road.
The road will be closed while repairs are made to the Penasula Creek Bridge which is located north of the intersection of Barrineau Park Road and Jacks Branch Road. Sonya Daniel, Escambia County spokesperson, did not give a timetable for the bridge to reopen, but NorthEscambia.com has learned the closure may last several weeks.
The only detours around the closure would be either Chestnut Road or Highway 29 between Barrineau Park Road and Molino Road.
The closed bridge is marked with the green icon on the map below.