Century Looks At Regulating Mobile Homes
August 16, 2012
About one in five housing units in Century is a mobile home, and the town is looking at regulating those mobile homes and elimination of substandard or dangerous units.
The oldest inhabited mobile home in Century was built in 1958, and about 60 percent of the 203 mobile homes in Century are older than 1995.
The Florida building code has been updated several times — in 1995, 2002 and 2004 — to increase construction standards based upon wind speed ratings. Florida began requiring stricter installation standards for manufactured homes in 1995 and 1999.
Just 25 of the mobile homes in Century were constructed after 2003 to high wind standards for site built and modular buildings.
Municipalities are required to allow mobile homes in permitted mobile home parks, but they do not have to allow them in any other zoning district, according to a presentation by Debbie Nickles, a consultant for the Town of Century.
Most communities have ordinances that make it unlawful to allow substandard or dangerous homes or to fail to take action to correct the problem or remove the home, according to Nickles’ presentation. “When the jurisdiction identifies substandard or dangerous homes (including mobile or manufactured homes) code enforcement action is initiated.”
The town is also considering just how the aesthetics of mobile homes might impact economic development.
“If conventional single-wide mobile homes or manufactured homes are located on the major roads and entrances into a town, especially a historic town, the whole character of the town is affected,” the presentation states.
In more rural areas of the community, or in areas that allow one dwelling unit per acre or less, there are few compatibility issues with manufactured homes, but in areas that allow more than one dwelling per acre, there are concerns that the manufactured homes may be incompatible with the majority of the surrounding neighborhood.
Century may consider opportunities that will assist homeowners will repairing or replacing substandard or dangerous mobile or manufactured homes, or methods to improve the energy efficiency and wind rating of the homes.
During a future update of Century’s Land Development Code, Century may consider mobile and manufactured home ordinances that would address were the homes are allowed, definitions for substandard or dangerous homes and identify a code enforcement procedure to address violations.
Photos courtesy Town of Century presentation, click to enlarge.
U.S. Marshals Capture Three Violent Fugitves In Escambia County
August 16, 2012
The U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force hit the streets of Escambia County Wednesday and arrested three men wanted on numerous charges that include aggravated assault with a weapon, armed robbery, using a firearm and including a non-registered sex offender.
The Task Force began their day when they had to breach the door of the home of Rodney Deangelo Ries, aka “Tattoo” after knocking and observing someone inside the home that would not come to the door.
Ries, was arrested around 8:15 a.m. after he surrendered after hiding in the home on the 8500 Block of Stockdale Avenue. The 23-year old Ries is wanted for aggravated assault with a gun and firing a weapon in public.
Task force members from the U.S. Marshals, Escambia and Okaloosa County sheriff’s offices and FDLE then apprehended David Lee Jones at the Travelodge Inn on Highway 29.
The task force captured him around 1:00 p.m. after he pulled into the parking lot of the hotel where they were doing surveillance.
Jones, 18, was arrested after he and another man he was with tried to elude the task force inside the hotel. Jones is wanted on an Escambia County warrant that charges him with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, use or display of a firearm during a felony, armed burglary, robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon and petit theft. The other man was detained shortly then released.
The Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force then made their last arrest for the day when they nabbed Caleb Joseph Alderman after he left a job site on Nine Mile Road. They caught up with the fugitive around the 200 block of New Warrington Road at about 3 p.m.
Alderman, 19, was arrested without incident. Alderman’s charges include failure to register as a sex offender, probation violation for a weapon charge and failure to appear on a larceny arrest.
All three were booked into Escambia County Jail. Ries was released on a $11,000 bond, and Jones remained jailed on a $95,250 bond. Alderman’s bond was set at $5,000 for failure to register but he is being held on no bond on his additional other charges.
Amtrak’s Sunset Limited Passenger Train Could Return
August 16, 2012
Amtrak’s Sunset Limited passenger train, which ran from New Orleans through Pensacola to Jacksonville before Hurricane Katrina, may once again travel the rails.
On Thursday, Gulf Coast officials will meet to discuss moving closer to the return of passenger rail service to the area. In all, more than 40 mayors, lawmakers and representatives will attend a summit in Mobile. When they are done, the group hopes to have a proposal to present to Amtrak and Congress.
Prior to Katrina, the Sunset Limited stopped in Atmore before heading south through North Escambia for a stop in Pensacola. Due to track damage by Hurricane Katrina, service ended east of New Orleans. But those tracks have been repaired and are currently supporting freight service.
The Escambia County Commission passed a resolution earlier this year in support of returning passenger rail service for several reasons. The resolution pointed out that the Pensacola area is isolated with no train service and no passenger connection to the rest of the nation. The commission also said that the Sunset Limited would create economic opportunities for Escambia County.
While a New Orleans to Jacksonville Sunset Limited route would include a stop in Pensacola, it is not yet known if the Atmore stop would be restored. A 2009 report indicated that it would cost $740,147 to demolish the Atmore station and replace it with a new station that meets current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
Documents obtained by NorthEscambia.com show that very few people — less than an average of three per week — ever boarded the Sunset Limited in Atmore. In 2003, there were 223 that boarded the passenger rail service in Atmore; 292 in 2004; and 255 prior to the service’s end in August 2005.
Pictured top: The train station in Atmore has not seen a passenger train since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Northview Football Camp (With Gallery)
August 16, 2012
The Northview Chiefs recently held a one day football camp for players eight years to eighth grade. The young Chiefs will be recognized during halftime of the first home Northview football game.
Pictured: A recent Northview high School Chiefs football camp for young players. Submitted photos by Amy Holland for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Charges Dropped Against Former QB, Other Teen; Two Enter PTD Program
August 16, 2012
Charges have been dropped against the former quarterback for the Northview Chiefs and a Molino teen, while two other teens have entered into a pre-trial diversion program on underage alcohol and drug charges.
Charges were dropped or dismissed against former Northview quarterback Brandon Lee Sheets, age 18 of Century, and Taylor Christiane McCurry, age 18 of Molino.
Two others — 18-year old John Everette of Atmore and 18-year old Dakota Ray Smith of Molino — entered into a pre-trial diversion program on charges of possession of alcohol under 21 years of age, marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.
In May, an Escambia County deputy reported finding the teens in the area of 7200 Plantation Way, behind the former University Mall. After receiving consent to search the vehicle, the deputy reported finding two small baggies containing marijuana, a brown plastic marijuana cigarette, a “rolling device”, rolling papers, a homemade smoking device made from a Keystone beer can and a bottle of Southern Comfort that was about half full. The deputy also reported finding a small portable air compressor in the vehicle that he believed to be used in conjunction with the smoking device, according to arrest reports.
All four were originally charged, the arrest report states, because one baggie of the marijuana and the rolling papers were in plain view in the center area of the vehicle.
Human Case Of West Nile Confirmed In Escambia County, Advisory Issued
August 16, 2012
A human case of the West Nile virus has been reported in Escambia County, prompting health officials to issue a “Mosquito Borne Illness Advisory”.
The reported case means “there is an imminent risk of additional persons becoming infected,” according to the Escambia County Health Department. The health department has not said where in the county the infected person resides.
“Citizens need to treat this threat seriously and take personal precautions to protect themselves,” said Escambia Mosquito Control Division Manager Bob Betts.
Symptoms of infection can range from mild to severe, including development of diseases such as meningitis or encephalitis. Those most at risk for the infection are the elderly, young children and those who spend a lot of time outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Individuals who are immune compromised may be at higher risk of the most severe form of the infection.
The Escambia County Health Department recommends that residents follow the Five D’s of mosquito control:
- Dusk – avoid when mosquitoes are most active.
- Dawn – avoid the next most active period.
- DEET – use personal chemical protection to ward off mosquitoes.
- Dress – cover exposed skin to block mosquito access.
- Drain – remove standing water in pots, pet dishes, gutters and other retainers.
The health department also recommends these precautions:
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing, but not under clothing.
- In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate.
- According to the CDC, mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of three years. DEET is not recommended on children younger than two months old.
- Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing.
Linebacker With Local Ties Signs With Miami Dolphins
August 16, 2012
A linebacker with local ties signed Wednesday with the Miami Dolphins.
Josh Linam, son of Atmore resident Kevin Linam, joins Miami after being released by the San Diego Chargers on an injury waiver. He had sprained his ankle and bruised a bone during training in Orlando.
Tampa Bay called a few days into rehab, Kevin Linam said. Then Tuesday he received the call from Miami and worked out just three hours with the Dolphins before being signed on Wednesday.
Linam will wear number 89 and play middle linebacker for the Dolphins. He will join Miami against the Carolina Panthers Friday at 7 p.m. CDT.
He originally was signed by San Diego on April 30, 2012, as an undrafted free agent from the University of Central Florida. He played in 50 career games in college, finishing with 165 tackles, three sacks, six pass breakups, three forced fumbles and three interceptions. Linam attended Tavares High School, where he earned four letters in football.
Photo courtesy Miami Dolphins for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Eloise Enfinger
August 16, 2012
Eloise Enfinger, our dearly loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend lost her battle with cancer on Wednesday, August 15, 2012. We miss you so much but your legacy of strength, love, devotion and faith will live on in us forever. Our hearts are joyful that you are united with your daughter in heaven. Always a woman of strength and devotion she loved her family and friends with her whole heart and soul.
Eloise was born on December 12, 1935, in Westville, FL, to Walter & Ettie Mae Jackson. She later made Cantonment her home. She was employed as a cashier with Winn Dixie for many years.
She is survived by two sons, David Sasnett (Tammy) of Eastpoint, FL, and Danny Sasnett (Vicki) of Springville, AL; one daughter, Pamela Toms (Lewis) of Crestview; 11 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; one great, great grandchild; one brother, Billy Jackson (Wanda); one sister, Carolyn Hood (Russell); a host of nieces and nephews.
We would like to thank the wonderful nurses and staff of Sacred Heart Oncology floor, St. Catherine’s and Dr. Fitzgerald for all their love, concern and care of our amazing and wonderful mother. God Bless and let our hope and strength and comfort be found in him.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 17, 2012 at Fairth Chapel Funeral Home North , 1000 Hwy 29, Cantonment with Rev. David Davis officiating. Interment will follow in First Pentecostal Cemetery in Molino.
The family will receive friends at Faith Chapel North from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service on Friday.
ECUA Receives Gold, Bronze National Solid Waste Awards
August 16, 2012
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority received a couple of awards during WASTECON 2012 conference sponsored by the Solid Waste Association of North America.
ECUA District 1 board member Elizabeth Campbell was in Washington to receive the 2012 SWANA Gold Award for public education and the 2012 SWANA bronze award in the collections systems category.
The gold award honors the public education campaign created by ECUA to promote the beginning and enhancements to a curbside recycling program. The bronze award recognizes ECUA’s automated collection program that serves 74,000 residential and 1,100 commercial customers.
US Rolls Out Illegal Immigrant Relief Program
August 16, 2012
Young illegal immigrants in the United States are lining up to register for a new program that could keep them from being deported.
The government’s so-called Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program took effect on Wednesday.
The program allows young people who were brought to the U.S. illegally by their parents to temporarily remain in the country, without fear of deportation, if they meet certain requirements.
Those requirements include being a student or serving in the military, and posing no criminal or security threat.
Also, applicants must be under the age of 31 and must have arrived in the U.S. before turning 16.
The Migration Policy Institute estimates as many as 1.8 million immigrants may be eligible. But group spokeswoman Michelle Mittelstadt said some potential applicants are worried about revealing their status.
“There also is a concern among some that if they come forward and identify themselves to the government as being here illegally and they have to provide things like their names and their address, that they are potentially exposing themselves and risking exposing themselves for deportation and removal down the road,” said Mittelstadt.
Opponents of the policy say it amounts to amnesty. Jack Martin of the Federation for American Immigration Reform also says program recipients could wind up taking jobs from U.S. citizens at a time when the economy has not fully recovered.
“That is a special issue of concern with an estimated 1.8 million individuals who may be receiving work permits at a time when we have many millions of Americans who are unemployed,” said Martin.
Illegal immigration is a controversial issue in the U.S. Some opponents say illegal immigration forces the government to spend money on social programs for aliens that otherwise could be used to help U.S. citizens.
[VOA]