Budget Woes: Century Library Could Be Closed; Molino Might Never Open
April 4, 2012
The Century Branch Library could be closed and the currently under construction Molino Library may never open due to budget problems.
The county is facing a $9.5 million budget shortfall, most of which is due to a new Medicaid law signed last week by Gov. Rick Scott. That law will force the county to pay $6.2 million to the state for disputed Medicaid bills that have been adding up for about a decade.
To make up the shortfall, Escambia County is looking to cut 100 percent of its funding for branch libraries — all $3.7 million. Escambia County funds about 75 percent of the current library system, while the City of Pensacola funds about 25 percent. Libraries in the city will not be closed.
“In a worst case scenario, the Century and Southwest branch libraries would be closed and Molino would never open,” said Bette Hooton, president of the library’s board of directors. “It shocking, absolutely shocking, to consider that Escambia might be the only county in the state without a library system.”
Escambia County is expected to consider at least three options to keep the libraries open — an August referendum in voters could approve a property tax levy; a property tax levy imposed by the county without referendum; a yearly user fee — $50 per person has been suggested — imposed on every Escambia County resident that uses the library.
The property tax levy to cover the county’s budget shortfall for the library would amount to 0.35 mils, or $35 on a home worth $100,000.
“We are hopeful that we can work together with the county to solve this problem without a referendum,” Hooton said. “But we are not going to go down like this. We’ll fight for the referendum if that is what it takes.”
Escambia County owns the building and property of the Century Branch Library and owns the under construction Molino Library property. However, all of the books and other materials are owned by the City of Pensacola, including about 11,000 items in the Century library.
Meanwhile, construction to convert the former Molino School into a community center and library is continuing. That project is already funded by Escambia County.
Hooton said the library system in Escambia County is a bargain. The cost to run Escambia’s libraries is currently about $16 per person; the state average is $32 per person.
Pictured top: The Century Branch Library. Pictured inset: Construction is underway to convert the old Molino School into a library and community center. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Receive Notice Of Escaped Prison Inmates By Phone
April 4, 2012
The Florida Department of Corrections has launched a new automated telephone system to alert residents living near a state correctional facility in the event of an emergency. The new ALERT Notification Service will keep residents informed of prison escapes, and can also be used in other emergency situations, such as when an Amber or Silver Alert is issued.
To register for the service, residents should call a toll free hotline at (866) 358-5977 and register their phone number and the facility’s zip code. Zip codes for North Escambia area prisons are: 32535 — Century CI and Century Work Camp; 32565 — Berrydale; and 32583 — Santa Rosa CI and Annex.
Registrants will receive detailed information about an escapee including a physical description and the time of the escape. The automated calls will also relay specific information on other emergencies that could impact nearby homes.
“This continues our commitment to ensure the safety of citizens living near one of our facilities,” said Department of Correction Secretary Ken Tucker. “We work very hard to keep our facilities safe for everyone. This new service makes it possible for us to alert citizens at a moment’s notice if problems arise.”
Notifications messages aren’t limited to those living near a specific institution. When needed, notifications will be sent to all registrants across the state. If the registrant moves, they can use the automated line to update their registration information.
“The ALERT Notification Service will also benefit correctional facilities,” added Tucker. “As residents receive offender descriptions, they can be the additional eyes and ears that can help us locate a missing inmate.”
Escapes from the secure perimeter of a prison are rare, with the last one occurring in 2005.
Mary Louise Lackey
April 4, 2012
After a long, very happy life Mary Louise Lackey went to be with the Lord on April 3, 2012.
She was born November 28, 1921, in Bradenton, Florida, and moved to Molino in 1958. She was a wonderful and loving wife and mother who spent her life taking care of her family. She loved working in the gardens of their family home, cooking and baking those wonderful batches of fudge, cookies and cakes. She was a proud member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, the Aldersgate United Methodist women and the Molino Homemakers. Mary Louise enjoyed spending time with her friends, laughing and sharing stories while working on various projects.
She is survived by her adoring husband of 63 years, Jimmie; four children Bill (Connie), Walter (Karen), Joyce (Wayne) and Jean (Mercer); grandchildren Brian, Marcus, David, Eric, Joshua, Elizabeth, Haleigh, Hunter and Heather; and one great grandchild Jack.
Mary Louise has now joined her grandson Adam in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 6, 2012, at Aldersgate Methodist Church with Rev. Alan Gantzhorn officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North on Thursday, April 5, 2012, from 5-7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church’s American Cancer-Relay For Life c/o Aldersgate UMC, 6915 North Highway 29, Molino, FL 32577.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 Highway 29 South, Cantonment, is in charge of arrangements.
Cantonment Man Shot By Baldwin Deputy After Chase
April 4, 2012
A Cantonment man was was shot by a Baldwin County (Ala.) deputy Tuesday after a high speed chase that ended not far from the state line.
Robert Lamar Vaughn, 43, was shot by Deputy Austin Welch, according to the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident began when the Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office alerted Baldwin County authorities that Vaughn was on his way to a church cemetery outside Robertsdale to commit suicide. When a Robertsdale police officer approached a man matching Vaughn’s description at the cemetery, Vaughn jumped into his Toyota Tundra pickup truck and fled east on Highway 90. Four Baldwin County deputies joined Robertsdale police in the chase.
Spike strips were use to flatten tires on the truck, but Vaughn continued almost three miles until he pulled into the parking lot of Uncle Bubba’s Country Store in Seminole, Ala. Vaughn exited the truck and ran inside with a rifle. While inside the store, he pointed the rifle at a deputy through a glass door. The deputy fired a shot striking the Vaughn in the torso, according to the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office.
Vaughn was shot once by one of the Baldwin County deputies with a shotgun. He was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola by ambulance. His condition was not available early Wednesday afternoon.
There were no other injuries.
Vaughn has not yet been charged with any crime.
Pictured: The scene at Uncle Bubba’s Country Store in Seminole, Ala., Tuesday after a Cantonment man was shot by a Baldwin County deputy. Photo by Anthony Pura, WEAR 3, for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Curtis Glenn Cardwell
April 4, 2012
Curtis Glenn Cardwell, 74, unexpectedly went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 2, 2012. Glenn was born June 2, 1937 in Jay to William H. and Ella Eola Cardwell. He was a lifelong resident of Pensacola and a graduate of Pensacola High School, Class of 1955.
Glenn retired after more than 35 years in the trucking industry and co-owner of Coastal Service Express. He was a member of Pine Forest Assembly of God, actively serving as a deacon. He was a true man of God, who served the Lord proudly.
He was preceded in death by his cherished and beloved wife, Mildred of 48 years.
Glenn loved spending time with his family, which included his church family. He was an awesome dad, granddaddy, great granddaddy and “Honey” and will be truly missed by everyone who had the good fortune of knowing this kind and gentle man. He had a way of lighting up the room with his smile and always made everyone feel loved.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Cindy & Greg Williams; son, Curtis Cardwell; granddaughters; Heather Arrington (Robert), Deborah Cardwell, Sarah Williams, Alisha Jones, Angel Cramer; six great-grandchildren; Jaiden & Colton Odom, Gavin & Brendan Jones, Destiny & Michael Cramer; sister Carol Sweatman; numerous friends, nieces and nephews, and a very special lady, Sue Wilson.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 5, 2012, and funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, April 6, 2012, at Pine Forest Assembly of God Church with Pastor Gene Hudson officiating, assisted by Bro. David Brown and Bro. Glenn Vaughn.
The family wishes to thank all the many friends and family for their prayers and support.
Faith Chapel North-Cantonment is in charge of arrangements.
Rain Chances Building
April 4, 2012
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
- Thursday Night: A slight chance of showers before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Friday: Sunny, with a high near 78. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 77. East wind between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
- Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 49. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming east between 5 and 10 mph.
- Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 52.
- Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.
- Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 74.
Warm Winter: Good For Gas Customers, Bad For Century’s Budget
April 4, 2012
An unusually warm winter meant lower natural gas heating bills for Century’s citizens, but it was not such good news for the bottom line of Century’s annual budget.
During the December 2011 through February 2012 time period, the town’s revenue from natural gas sold to residents and businesses was down about 50 percent when compared to the same period one year ago.
“There’s less of a bottom line profit,” Robert Hudson, the town’s accountant, explained. The warmer winter, he said, “was just something that was very unusual compared to the prior year.”
But overall, Hudson said the town is on track with their annual budget. In fact, he said the town’s February budget numbers showed the town spent about $28,000 less than projected.
Traffic Delays: Highway 29, Highway 4 Bridge And East Kingsfield Road
April 4, 2012
Road work will cause traffic delays at multiple locations in the North Escambia area in the next few days.
Highway 29 at Muscogee Road
Highway 29 at I-10 overpass
Southbound traffic on Highway 29 at Muscogee Road and at the I-10 overpass in Escambia County will encounter overnight lane restrictions through Thursday between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. as Transfield Services performs routine maintenance.
East Kingsfield at Highway 29
East Kingsfield will be closed from Highway 29 to nearby Pompano Street. The closure is set to begin today for an Escambia County road construction project. Contractor Roads, Inc. expects to re-open the roadway by April 13.
Highway 4 over Escambia River Bridge
Traffic on Highway 4 over the Escambia River Bridge in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties will experience intermittent lane restrictions between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m through Thursday. Florida Department of Transportation bridge inspectors will perform a routine inspection on the bridge.
Lavaun Murphy
April 4, 2012
Lavaun Murphy, 76, passed away April 1, 2012, at WellStar Tranquility Hospice in Austell, Georgia. He was retired and a life-long resident of Atmore. He was a novelist, loved hunting and fishing and was an avid Alabama Crimson Tide and Atlanta Braves fan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson and Lyda Mae Murphy of Mexia, Alabama, brother Fred Murphy of Atmore, and sister Eloise Brown of Mexia.
Cherishing his memories are his wife of 57 years Alice Murphy; his daughter Carolyn and Gerald Hust of Winston, Georgia; his granddaughter Chelsea Hust of Winston, Georgia; sister Agnes Akers of Russellville, Alabama; and brother Donald and Annie Murphy of Mexia.
Funeral services will be Thursday, April 5, 2012, at 10 a.m. from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Buddy Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Semirah Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in Uriah.
The family will receive visitors at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 from 6-8 p.m.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Part 3: Inside Century Correctional Institution
April 4, 2012
Today, we continue our exclusive look inside the Century Correctional Institution with look inside the library, educational programs and food service. Our series will continue tomorrow.
The food service facility is a point of pride at Century Correctional.
The facility serves 1,400 inmates in about an hour and a half, including service for medical special diet prisoners at the beginning or end of a food shift. The noise at a meal is best described as a low murmur — inmates are allowed only to talk to one of the three others at their table. There’s no conversation or food sharing with neighboring tables.
The annual food service allocation is about $1.18 million. Almost all inmate food is baked or boiled — no frying.
During the winter, there was plenty of fresh cabbage, collards and turnips served at Century CI. Under a partnership with the University of Florida’s IFAS program, inmates grew 460,000 pounds of winter vegetables worth $279,000 that were served a Century CI and correctional facilities across the Panhandle. The total average cost to feed a prisoner at Century CI is $1.48 per day.
Expectations of a cool, comfortable dining experience are out the window during the summer — there’s no air conditioning.
“Stay Shocked == Sober, Humble, Open minded, Committed, Knowledgeable, Educated, Determined”
In an educational building, inmate art offers motivational thoughts long the walls.
Another sign offers a large question mark — “WAIT — What Am I Thinking”.
During our visit to the prison library, inmates worked quietly, shelving books
Inside the Century CI Library is a room that offers a glimmer of hope to inmates looking to get out of prison. It’s a complete law library available to inmates wishing to file motions or formulate their appeal. Several inmates serve as trained law clerks, providing assistance to other inmates. Approved inmates can conduct law research on computers, but there is no internet access on the machines.
A large red sign in the library is perhaps very ironic in a prison. “Sign Out Here”
The remainder of library contains thousands of volumes like any ordinary library. But at the Century CI library, the books and magazines have been screened with no descriptive material about prison escapes or weapons, and no sexually suggestive images.
For more photographs, click here.
For Part 1 of this series from Monday, click here.For Part 2 of this series from Tuesday, click here.
Our series “Inside Century Correctional Institution” continues later this week on NorthEscambia.com.
Picture top: Dining area at Century Correctional Institution. Pictured bottom inset: Law library at Century CI. Pictured below: A portion of the Century CI library. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
