Century Council Meeting Rescheduled
December 5, 2016
Tonight’s regular meeting of the Century Town Council has been rescheduled for Monday, December 19 at 7 p.m.
The council normally meets on the first and third Monday of each month, but traditionally meets just once — on the first Monday — in December. But at their last meeting, the council voted to move that meeting to December 19.
A Community Development Block Grant public hearing will be held prior to the council meeting at 6:15 p.m. on December 19, following by a housing assistance workshop at 6:30 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Senate, House Bills Would Ban Florida Fracking
December 5, 2016
After a fierce legislative debate early this year about fracking, a freshman senator filed a proposal Friday that would bar the use of the controversial oil and gas drilling technique in Florida.
Sen. Gary Farmer, D-Fort Lauderdale, filed the proposal (SB 98) a little more than a week after Rep. Evan Jenne, D-Dania Beach, filed a similar measure (HB 35) in the House. Farmer’s bill is dubbed the “Stop Fracking Act.”
The bills will be considered during the 2017 legislative session, which starts in March. Fracking bills spurred a major battle during the 2016 session, with the issue ultimately dying in the Senate. While supporters said the 2016 bills would have created a needed regulatory framework, environmental groups contended the measures were aimed at opening the door to fracking.
Historic Marker Dedicated At Escambia County Training School Site
December 5, 2016
An official historic marker was dedicated Friday in Atmore marking the location of the former Escambia County Training School on Martin Luther King Avenue.
The site’s history dates back to 1920 when a wooden building was constructed as the Atmore Colored School, which operated until 1925. In 1926, a new wood and brick building was erected with assistance from a school fund and the community, and the school was renamed the Escambia County Training School. Current buildings on the site date from 1959, 1980 and 1981.
The school offered instruction in academic and industrial education, and the students were also active in many extracurricular activities. The Escambia County Training School’s girls’ basketball team won the state championship in 1950-1951. The boys’ football team went undefeated and was regional champions in 1965 and 1968.
The first principal of the school was Robert L. Bradley. Woodrow McCorvey, Sr. was principal when the high school was closed in 1970 due to integration.
The campus became the Escambia County Middle School for the next 30 years when a new middle school was built on North Main Street.
The Escambia County Training School site is the only location with a historic marker in the city limits of Atmore listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.
For more photos from the dedication ceremony, click here.
Pictured: A historic marker was dedicated Friday at the site of the former Escambia County Training School on Martin Luther King Avenue in Atmore. Pictured inset: Louise (Lois) Montgomery was presented a certificate of recognition from Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley. She played on the Escambia County Training School’s 1950-1951 state championship basketball team. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Santa Claus To Visit Molino Branch Library Tuesday Night
December 5, 2016
Santa Claus will be in Molino Tuesday at 6 p.m. for a special Pajama Story Time with Santa at the Molino Branch Library. Children invited to wear their comfy, cozy pajamas, brink a blanket and join the library staff for a stories, milk and cookies along with a very special visit from Santa Claus. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras.
Pictured: Santa Claus visited the Century Branch Library last week. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
December 5, 2016
Drivers will encounter traffic variations on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities next week:
Escambia County:
· Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement (U.S. 98)- The westbound outside and right turn lanes of U.S. 98 (Gregory Street), from the bridge to just east of 17th Avenue, in Pensacola will be closed from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 through Thursday, Dec. 8. The closures will allow crews to perform soil borings and locate utilities. In addition, the westbound outside lane of U.S. 98, from 17th Avenue to just west of 17th Avenue in Pensacola, will be closed during this time for the same work.
· U.S. 29 (State Road (S.R.) 95) Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to 9 Mile Road- Alternating lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. continue through the week of Sunday, Dec. 11 near the U.S. 29/9 Mile Road overpass as crews continue to work on barrier wall installation and preparation for the bridge construction. Also during this time, alternating closures are expected for north and southbound lanes on U.S. 29 just north of the I-10 Interchange as crews perform milling operations.
· 9 Mile Road (S.R. 10/U.S. 90A) Widening from Pine Forest to U.S. 29- Intermittent lane closures continue on Untreiner Avenue from 9 Mile Road to Powell Street between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. as crews lay additional asphalt for an upcoming traffic shift. Once paving is complete, traffic will be shifted eastward onto the temporary asphalt as crews begin drainage improvements on the west side of Untreiner Avenue.
· Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727/295) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway to North Pace Boulevard- Intermittent and alternating lane closures between Mobile Highway and North Pace Boulevard between 8:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. as crews perform paving operations.
· East Cervantes Street (S.R. 10A) Utility Work at 16th Street in Pensacola- Eastbound outside, right lane will be closed at 16th Street from 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8 to 5 a.m. Friday, Dec. 9 and Thursday, Dec. 15 to 5 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16 as crews perform underground utility work and roadway repairs.
· I-10/U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements Phase I- East and westbound lane closures near U.S. 29 (Exits 10A and 10B) from 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 to 8 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 as crews perform pipe repairs.
Santa Rosa County:
· S.R. 87 Parade from Caroline Street to Dogwood Drive- Stewart Street (S.R. 87) will be closed to traffic between Caroline Street (U.S. 90) and Dogwood Drive in Milton from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 for parade festivities. Traffic will be detoured. Law enforcement will be on site to assist with traffic control.
· Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement (U.S. 98) – The westbound outside lane of U.S. 98 between Wayside Park and the bridge in Gulf Breeze will be closed from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 through Thursday, Dec. 8. The closures will allow crews to perform soil borings and locate utilities.
· I-10 Resurfacing from east of S.R. 87 to the Okaloosa County Line- Intermittent and alternating inside lane closures between the S.R. 87 interchange and the Okaloosa County line from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 through Thursday, Dec.8 as crews mill and pave. Motorists are reminded the speed limit is reduced to 60 MPH within the lane closure
· U.S. 90 Routine Bridge Inspection over White River- Westbound lane closure, 1.4 miles east of the Santa Rosa /Escambia County line, from 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5 to 5 a.m. Dec. 6 as crews perform a routine bridge inspection.
· I-10 Routine Bridge Inspection over Blackwater River- Westbound lane closure, four miles west of S.R. 87 (Exit 31), from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5 as crews perform a routine bridge inspection.
· U.S. 90 Soil Sample Removal from Bell Lane to Avalon Boulevard- Intermittent east and westbound turn lane restrictions between Bell Lane and Avalon Boulevard from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5 through Thursday, Dec. 8 and Monday, Dec. 12 through Thursday, Dec. 15 as crews core samples of the roadway from the medians.
· S.R. 87 Widening from two miles south of the Yellow River to Hickory Hammock Road (County Road 184)- Intermittent lane closures near the north and south ends of the Yellow River Bridge from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of Monday, Dec. 5 as crews prepare to shift traffic to the west for widening work.
· I-10 Routine Bridge Inspection over Blackwater River- Eastbound lane closure, four miles west of S.R. 87 (Exit 31) from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6 as crews perform a routine bridge inspection.
Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through the construction zone, and to pay attention for workers and equipment entering and exiting the work area. All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling in a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
Jim Allen Elementary Names Students Of The Month
December 5, 2016
Jim Allen Elementary School has named Students of the Month for November. They are Addison Everette (left) and D’Shayla James. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mary Alice Merchant
December 5, 2016
Mrs. Mary Alice Merchant, 68, passed away on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, in Century, Florida.
Mrs. Merchant was a native and lifelong resident of Christian Home, FL. She was a member of the Christian Home Freewill Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her husband, Steve Merchant; son, Tony Merchant; parents, Karl and Sarah Victor; two grandchildren, Steven Still and Jackson Still; sister, Kathy Hall and niece, Angel Hall.
She is survived by her three sons, Ronnie (Rosie) Merchant of Jay, FL, Erik (Libby) Merchant of Franklin, AL and Nathan Merchant of Christian Home, FL; one daughter, Renee (John Still) Merchant of McCullough, AL; four brothers, Phillip Victor of Christian Home, FL, Johnny Victor of Flomaton, AL, Jimmy Victor of Bratt, FL and Donnie (Sandra) Victor of Wawbeek, AL; two sisters, Faye Victor of Christian Home, FL and Janie (Billy) Criswell of Christian Home, FL; and 12 grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Monday, December 5, 2016, at the Christian Home Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Alfred Long and Rev. Josh Long officiating.
Burial was at the Christian Home Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Timothy Victor, J.C. Victor, Jay Young, Michael Merchant, Josh Merchant and Hayden Thrower.
Honorary pallbearers were Jason Victor, James Victor, John Victor and Tyler Cofield.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Joseph Floyd Boutwell
December 5, 2016
Joseph Floyd Boutwell, Jr. 58, of Atmore, AL, passed away Thursday, December 1, 2016, in Atmore. He was employed many years with Brantley’s Tires. He was born in Perdido, AL on February 7, 1958, to the late Joseph Floyd and Cathleen Weaver Boutwell, Sr.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Boutwell and a brother, Robert Boutwell.
Survivors include his children, Jeffery Richardson, Emily Boutwell, John (Mandy) Salter and Joseph (Autumn Harrison) Boutwell, III all of Huxford, AL; Robbie (Nickie) Tuberville of Monroeville, AL and Joie Lynn Vickery of Bay Minette; three brothers, Jessie (Debbie) Boutwell of Flomaton, AL, Destry Boutwell and Rodney (Rhonda) Boutwell, all of Perdido, AL; two sisters, Janie Dorriety of Lottie, AL and Bernice (Lamar) Hadley of Perdido, AL; and nine grandchildren.
Services were held Monday, December 5, 2016, from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel, with Sis. Helen Stewart officiating.
Interment was in McCullough Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Jaylon “Ty” Weaver, Toby Boutwell, Mitch Hayles, Charles Williams, Lamar Hadley and Steve Emmons.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Harold Lee Milstead, Jr.
December 5, 2016
Harold Lee Milstead Jr., 43, of Cantonment went to be with his heavenly father Saturday, November 26, 2016.
He was of Pentecostal faith and was baptized by Rev. Ken Johnson of East Side Assembly of God. He loved the Lord, studied his bible, was an encouragement to his friends, and dedicated to his two boys and was “Pops” to his new grandson, Jayce. He was so proud of this new addition to his family. He will be missed by his companion and beloved dog, Kelli.
He is survived by his two sons and a grandson, William Wyatt Milstead (Caitlin) and Dillon Gage Milstead; grandson, Jayce Milstead; parents, Larry and Diane Mauldin and Harold and Debbie Milstead; three sisters and one brother, Melissa (Steve) Whisler, Sandy (Jocke) Borg, Angie (Reese) Whitson and Roy (Kara) Mauldin.
Harold was very intelligent. He was an awesome draftsman and sheet metal fabricator. He was able to design and build anything in metal. He worked for Better Built and United Welding in Perry. He was a shop foreman at both places. He loved hunting and fishing. Hunting was his favorite thing. He loved trees and being in the woods. He was loved and respected by everyone. He went with sunshine in his heart and smile on his face. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.
Funeral services were held Monday, December 5, 2016, at the Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Reverend Ken Johnson officiating.
Interment was at Pensacola Memorial Gardens..
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.
Mary Cynthia McCloud Sellers
December 5, 2016
Mary Cynthia McCloud Sellers, 48, went to be with the Lord on November 27, 2016. Cindy, as she was known to her friends and loved ones, was a devoted grandmother, mother, wife, sister, aunt and friend. She lived for her family and loved nothing more than being with her family. Cindy was a member of Pensacola Deliverance Temple and loved watching wrestling or her favorite team the Georgia Bulldogs.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Mary Warwick Collins McCloud and her father, Marvin Eugene McCloud.
She is survived by the love of her life of 27 years, Amos J. Sellers; her children, Amos D. Sellers, James Martin Sellers and Jessica Sellers; six grandchildren, Destiny Demars, Mackenzie Sellers, Autumn Sasser, Brian Sasser, Noah Sasser and Nathen Sasser; daughters-in-law, Laura Sellers and Gabrielle Sellers; her sisters, Kathy Wheeler, Maybeth Norman, and Melessa Alley; her step-mother, Ida Mae Webb; along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of her life was held at Faith Chapel North on Saturday, December 3, 2016.
Interment was at Sellersville Cemetery in McLellan, FL.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.