Century Adopts New Fee Schedule For Planning, Zoning, Development Review
July 23, 2014
The Town of Century has adopted a new fee schedule for planning, zoning and development review as part of the town’s land development code.
The new fee schedule items such as residential site renovation permits for $25, commercial site renovation permits for $50 and $50 demolition permits. In many cases, a portion of the fee is refunded once the applicant receives the required building permits from Escambia County.
The only fees greater than $50 are: $250 for a new commercial site or development, $500 for a small scale comprehensive plan amendment and $750 for large scale amendment to the comprehensive plan.
For a pdf copy of the fee schedule, click here.
Blue Angels Announce 2015 Team Members
July 23, 2014
The Blue Angels have announced the officers selected for the 2015. The squadron selected an executive officer, three F/A-18 demonstration pilots, an events coordination officer, two C-130 demonstration pilots, a flight surgeon, and a supply officer to join the 2015 team.
Many highly-qualified Navy and Marine Corps officers submit applications to join the Blue Angels each year.
“We remain committed to selecting the most talented and qualified individuals to join the Blue Angels,” said Cmdr. Tom Frosch, flight leader and commanding officer for the team. “Once again, a significant number of extremely talented, experienced Sailors and Marines applied this year, and we are proud of those we have chosen to join the 2015 team. They are excellent representatives of the skilled service members defending our freedom around the world.”
The Blue Angels select finalists to interview at the Blue Angels’ home base at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., during the week of the Pensacola Beach Air Show. The team makes selections at the conclusion of the interview week.
“All of our finalists this year are incredible examples of some of the finest officers in the Navy and Marine Corps, from both the aviation community and the fleet,” said Lt. Cmdr. John Hiltz, Right Wing pilot and the applications officer for the 2014 team. “What was most important for us — regardless of anything else — was to select the most qualified individuals for the team to represent the more than 540,000 Sailors and Marines deployed around the world, around the clock. And I’m happy to say that we’ve done that.”
The newly-selected 2015 team members include:
Executive officer:
Navy Cmdr. Bob Flynn, 45, of Moorestown, N.J., is a S-3B Viking naval flight officer and is currently assigned to the Naval War College. He is a 1992 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md.
F/A-18 demonstration pilots:
Navy Lt. Matt Suyderhoud, 31, of Honolulu, is currently assigned to Training Squadron 22 (VT-22) at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas. He is a 2005 graduate of Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Mo.
Navy Lt. Andrew Talbott, 31, of Sedan, Kan., is currently assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Va. He is a 2005 graduate of Kansas State University, Salina, Kan.
Marine Capt. Jeff Kuss, 30, of Durango, Colo., is currently assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 (VMFA-312) Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. He is a 2006 graduate of Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colo.
Events coordination officer:
Marine Capt. Corrie Mays, 34, of Marstons Mills, Mass., is currently assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (All Weather) 225 (VMFA(AW)-225) at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego. She is a 2003 graduate of the University of Georgia, Athens, Ga.
C-130 demonstration pilots:
Marine Maj. Mark Hamilton, 36, of Becker, Minn., is currently assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. He is a 2000 graduate of Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind.
Marine Capt. Katie Higgins, 27, of Annapolis, Md., is currently assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. She is a 2008 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md.
Flight surgeon:
Navy Lt. Joe Schwartz, 34, of Arlington, Va., is currently assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 132 (VAQ-132) at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, Wash. He is a 2002 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind.
Supply officer:
Navy Lt. Gregory Bollinger, Jr., 31, of Carbondale, Ill., is currently assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 9 (VX-9) at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Calif. He is a 2006 graduate of the University of Maryland University College, Adelphi, Md.
Expected to return for the 2015 season are:
F/A-18 demonstration pilots:
Navy Cmdr. Tom Frosch, 44, of Clinton Township, Mich.
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Nate Barton, 33, of Hummelstown, Pa.
Navy Lt. Mark Tedrow, 31, of Charleroi, Pa.
Navy Lt. Ryan Chamberlain, 29, of Bloomington, Ill.
C-130 demonstration pilots:
Marine Capt. Dusty Cook, 32, of East Bernard, Texas.
Maintenance officer:
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Declan Hartney, 44, of Limerick, Ireland.
Administration officer:
Navy Lt. j.g. Phillip Harper, 33, of Chicago.
Public affairs officer:
Navy Lt. j.g. Amber Lynn Daniel, 33, of Ramona, Calif.
The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach.
Since its inception in 1946, the Blue Angels have performed for more than 484 million fans.
Two Arrested For Torching Stolen Car In Century Ballpark
July 23, 2014
Two Century residents have been arrested for stealing a car from the Food Giant in Century and then torching it in a ballpark.
Michael Alexander Dubose, 20, and Aubrey Odom, 17, have been charged with arson in the second degree, criminal mischief and vehicle theft for the July 1 incident.
The fire was reported about 7:15 a.m. behind an concession stand at the Lloyd Barrow Field on Church Street. The 1993 Buick Century was in an area not normally accessible to vehicle traffic. A witness said the vehicle had no tag attached.
The ballpark’s concession stand, owned by the town of Century, suffered minor damage, with vinyl siding melted off the back of the building. Damage to the building was estimated at less than $2,000.
NorthEscambia.com file photos.
Lendle Clarence “Lenny” Godwin, Jr.
July 23, 2014
Mr. Lendle Clarence “Lenny” Godwin, Jr., age 53, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2014, at his Flomaton residence.
Mr. Godwin was born in Escambia County, AL and was a former resident of Castleberry before moving back to the Brewton/Flomaton area 22 years ago. He had worked as a mechanic for Peach Chevrolet. Mr. Godwin was a member of Friendship Free Will Baptist Church.
He is survived by his brother, Eddie Godwin of Castleberry; two step-daughters, Kristy (Greg) Barlow of Flomaton and Amanda (Dax) Selario of Bridgeport, WV; sister-in-law, Samantha Kay (Paul) Howell of Flomaton; cousin, Ricky Godwin of Castleberry; grandchildren, Darcy, Zoe, and Gabbie Selario; and a number of aunts and cousins.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2014, at 11 a.m. from the chapel of Craver’s Funeral Home with Rev. Rusty Burnham officiating.
Interment will follow in Buffington Cemetery.
William Ernest “Junior” Stacey, Jr.
July 23, 2014
William Ernest “Junior” Stacey, Jr., 44, of Flomaton, went to be with the Lord on July 18, 2014. He was born December 8, 1969, in Escambia County to Carol and William Ernest Stacey.
He is preceded in death by his father.
Mr. Stacey is survived by his mother and step-father, Carol and Bobby Satterwhite; daughter, Alexandria Stacey; two sisters, Regina Wyatt and Carla Settles; step-brothers, Tim Harvell, Mike Harvell, Tim Satterwhite, and Johnny Satterwhite; two nieces; three nephews; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Visitation will be held at Pensacola Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home on Thursday, July, 24, 2014 from 6-8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at10 a.m. on Friday, July 25, 2014, at Pensacola Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home.
Wahoos Beat Mobile
July 23, 2014
With hundreds of budding princesses roaming Pensacola Bayfront Stadium in their dresses and tiaras, something magical happened in the first inning.
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos scored seven runs on eight hits, including five doubles, and went on to defeat the Mobile BayBears, 8-4, on 18 hits.
Daddy-Daughter night at the ballpark included a pre-game parade where Little Mermaids, Snow Whites and Jasmines pranced down the first baseline to loud applause. It included Wahoos Manager Delino DeShields young daughter helping her daddy deliver the lineup card to the umpires and join a quartet of other princesses to sing, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” during the seventh inning stretch.
Whether it was magic spells at work or not, DeShields was just happy to see his hitters hitting. During the team’s 1-8 skid entering Tuesday’s game, the Wahoos hit .239 as a team and had 77 strikeouts and 67 hits.
All nine starters got on base during the game and only pitcher Daniel Corcino was hitless. In fact, seven of the nine hitters had at least two hits and Ryan Wright, Kyle Waldrop and Juan Duran all had three.
DeShields said it was the first time his 7-year-old daughter, Delaney, got to sit in the dugout and hangout on the field. They watched the 7-minute fireworks show to Disney tunes together after the game.
“She might be a good luck charm,” DeShields said. “I’m going to have to start bringing her all the time.”
Yorman Rodriguez, who went 2-5, including a double to start the game, said one of the most special feelings he has is when he hears his toddler in the stands behind the backstop shouting his name.
“The whole game she yells, ‘Poppie! Poppie!’” Rodriguez said. “She yells loud, too. It’s awesome.”
Mobile scored three of its runs on a homerun over the right-center fence by Jake Lamb, who is leading or near the top in every offensive category in the Southern League. The Arizona Diamondbacks No. 9 prospect according to MLB.com has 13 homers and 76 RBI.
The third game of the five-game series with the Arizona Diamonbacks Double-A affiliate the Mobile BayBears gets underway at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. RHP Jon Moscot (5-9, 3.19) takes the mound for the Wahoos and is scheduled to be opposed by the BayBears RHP A.J. Schugel (4-1, 3.70).
by Tommy Thrall
Escambia Issues Air Quality Health Alert For Wedgewood Area
July 22, 2014
Effective immediately, in response to air quality monitoring, the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia) is issuing a health alert for the area surrounding the Wedgewood Community Center and the Rolling Hills Construction and Demolition Landfill in Escambia County.
Air quality monitoring has been performed by Escambia County at the Wedgewood Community Center (6405 Wagner Road, Pensacola). This center is adjacent to the Rolling Hills Construction and Demolition Landfill located at 6990 Rolling Hills Road, Pensacola. The monitoring has revealed elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide in the air at a minimum level of concern for long term exposure to humans. Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas which often has an odor similar to rotten eggs, but which may have no detectable smell when present in low concentrations. However, even low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide gas can have negative health effects.
Exposure to hydrogen sulfide may cause respiratory symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation in some individuals. People experiencing respiratory symptoms should consult their physician for treatment and should stay inside their homes. According to FDOH-Escambia’s Director, Dr. John Lanza, “While inside, people should close their windows, run their cooling/heating system, and change their system’s filter, as needed. If symptoms persist while inside an air conditioned home, people may choose to leave the area until their symptoms are tolerable.”
Persons who have questions about health problems or symptoms they may be experiencing related to hydrogen sulfide exposure should contact their primary care physician. Those who have asthma or other chronic lung disease should follow their disease management plan, and should call their doctor if symptoms worsen. For medical emergencies, call 911 or go immediately to the nearest emergency facility.
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County will continue to evaluate air quality monitoring results, as reported by Escambia County. Any further recommendations and alerts will be released as more information becomes available.
Deputies: Thompson Confessed To Three Murders
July 22, 2014
The person of interest in a weekend double murder in Santa Rosa County is now behind bars. Derrick Ray Thompson was arrested Tuesday morning without incident in Troy, AL, on a Bay County warrant for homicide in the death of Allen Johnson, a former deputy and businessman.
Johnson’s body was found Monday afternoon at his home. At the time of his arrest, Thompson was driving the Toyota truck belonging to Johnson, and he was in possession of several handguns and one assault rifle.
According to investigators, Thompson confessed to Bay County murder as well as the double homicide in Santa Rosa County. He waived the extradition process and has been transferred to the Bay County Jail.
Thompson was also wanted on outstanding warrants for burglary/grand theft and fraud in Santa Rosa County where he was sought for questioning as a person of interest in the double murder of a husband and wife on Sunday.
Deputies say they responded to a 911 call for a medical emergency just about 8:50 a.m. Sunday in the 6200 block of Goliath Road in Milton. They found 60-year old Steven Tyrone Zackowski and 59-year old Debra Lynn Zackowski shot to death at the home.
Bay County Sheriff Details Events Leading To Arrest
Bay County Sheriff Frank McKeithen held a press conference this afternoon at the Bay County Sheriff’s Office to release details in the Allen Johnson homicide case and the arrest of the man believed responsible for Johnson’s death.
Johnson was discovered deceased on July 21, at about 1:43 p.m. in his residence on Wilson Avenue when family members, concerned when they could not reach him by phone, went to his home, made entry and found his body.
Derrick Ray Thompson, already a person of interest in a double homicide in Santa Rosa County, was quickly identified as a suspect. Thompson’s vehicle had been left in Johnson’s driveway and Johnson’s vehicle, a silver Toyota Tundra, was missing. Law enforcement believed Thompson had taken it.
Subsequent investigation revealed that while in Johnson’s vehicle, Thompson used money obtained from Johnson and Johnson’s cell phone to purchase illegal narcotics in Bay County shortly after the homicide. Based on this information, a warrant was obtained for Derrick Ray Thompson for the murder of Allen Johnson.
Information on the suspect and the vehicle was distributed to local media and media in the Alabama area when it was suspected that Thompson might go there. Thompson has done electrical work on a hunting lodge in that area.
A citizen in Troy, AL, familiar with a description of the vehicle from media reports, spotted the Toyota Tundra entering the hunting lease late last night and reported it to local law enforcement. A team comprised of the US Marshals, the Troy Police Department, and the Pike County Sheriff’s Office formed a perimeter and, due to the fact Thompson was believed armed and dangerous and weather was bad, decided to wait for daybreak to move in on the suspect.
Thompson attempted to leave just before daybreak. When he got out of the Tundra to open the gate and leave the property, SWAT teams deployed a flash bang device and took the stunned Thompson into custody on the warrant from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office without further incident.
Law enforcement from Bay and Santa Rosa counties traveled to Pike County, Alabama and spoke with Thompson. After interviewing Thompson, investigators believe he committed the double murders in Santa Rosa County on Saturday, July 19, 2014. He fled Santa Rosa County and stayed that Saturday night with a friend on Panama City Beach. Sunday morning, Thompson went to Chipley and stayed overnight in a motel. After checking media reports online, he found out law enforcement had connected him to the double homicide in Santa Rosa County. On Monday, Thompson used a borrowed phone from the motel clerk and called Allen Johnson and asked if he could come to Johnson’s home on Wilson Avenue under the guise of borrowing money.
It is believed that Allen Johnson, an acquaintance of Thompson’s, was unaware that Thompson was a person of interest in the double homicide in Santa Rosa County.
Thompson was able to give law enforcement details about the murder of Allen Johnson not yet released to the public.
Allen Johnson was a deputy with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office from 1974 to 1988, working as a confidential informant prior to becoming a law enforcement officer. Johnson was the first to work undercover in drug enforcement for the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
Derrick Ray Thompson was charged with an open count of murder in the death of Allen Johnson. He was extradited to Bay County to face a first appearance on the murder charge. After this the State Attorney’s Office for the first and fourteenth judicial circuits will work together to determine which homicide case will be tried first.
Century Takes Step Forward To Repair Gas Leak Under Highway 29
July 22, 2014
Over three years since the problem was first publicly revealed as a potential “major public safety issue”, natural gas continues to leak under Highway 29 in Century.
Monday night, the Century Town Council voted to take out a short term loan, up to 180 days, with United Bank for $678,300 to pay for the project before receiving reimbursement from a USDA program. The loan will cost the town $350 in fees at 2.75 percent in interest.
Back in April, the town awarded a repair contract to R.A.W. Construction, LLC of Tallahassee for $393,500 to repair the problem. The overall repair portion of the project, according to the town’s engineer, was estimated to about $1 million.
About 6,515 feet of 4-inch steel natural gas line was buried beneath the southbound lanes of Highway 29 when the road was widened to four lanes. Now, over 45 years since the almost 1.25 mile long pipe was put into the ground, the town believes the steel is corroding and leaking somewhere between West Highway 4 and McCurdy Street.
In April 2012, Century signed off on a $1.4 million USDA Rural Development loan to cover the cost of replacing the pipe. But, according to town officials, the town received the wrong form from the USDA, and as a result advertised the meetings incorrectly.
That meant heading back to the drawing board and starting the loan process again.
A new 4-inch pipe will be placed on the west side of Highway 29, while a new 2-inch pipe will be installed on the east side of the highway, eliminating the need to install pipes under the road to service natural gas customers. The pipe will be installed where existing easements exist or can be obtained at no cost, otherwise, it will be installed under existing sidewalks.
Two other bids were received on the project — one for $795,700.75 from Utility Service Company and one for $897,000 from Roberson Excavation, Inc. of Milton.
Pictured above and below: Natural gas is leaking somewhere under Highway 29 in Century. Pictured inset: Century Mayor Freddie McCall signs documents in April 2012 for a $1.401 million USDA Rural Development loan to repair the leaky gas lines. The loan was later invalidated by the USDA due to an incorrect form. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ascend Volunteers Pitch In To Help Panhandle Equine Rescue
July 22, 2014
A group of volunteers from Ascend Performance Materials went up against the heat and humidity Monday to make some much needed improvements around the Cantonment home of Panhandle Equine Rescue.
“Despite the heat, 17 men came out, tore down an old stall that was rotting and built a new one,” said PER President Diane Lowery. “They also did fencing and painting. We appreciate large corporations who help non-profits since they have the manpower and resources that can be so difficult for organizations who depend on volunteers and donations.”
Ascend donated materials, in addition to the labor needed, for Monday’s improvements. Panhandle Equine Rescue is a non-profit organization that rescues and rehabilitates abused or neglected horses.
As part of their orientation program, new hires at Ascend participate in a community volunteer project.
