Cantonment Church Offers Drive-Thru Ashes For Ash Wednesday
March 6, 2019
On Ash Wednesday, a Cantonment church offered a quick and easy way for people to take part.
Saint Monica’s Episcopal Church offered “Ashes to Go” at the 29 North shopping Center on Highway 29.
Ash Wednesday marks the first of the 40 days of Lent, named for the custom of placing blessed ashes on the foreheads of worshipers at Ash Wednesday services. The ashes are a sign of penitence and a reminder of mortality, and may be imposed with the sign of the cross.
Pictured top: Mike Scordado receives ashes from Fr. Anthony MacWhinnie, II. Pictured below: Dawn Hayes receives ashes. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Grand Jury Finds Gross Mismanagement In Century, $1 Million Lost, Natural Gas Missing, Financial Emergency
March 6, 2019
A grand jury has found the Town of Century lost over $1 million in utility accounts in just two years, can’t account for over 40 percent of their natural gas, made loans not revealed on audits for 14 years, improperly borrowed about $3 million from accounts with a 750-year payback plan, and is a state of financial emergency.
For additional details and grand jury recommendations, click here.
The grand jury received testimony from 18 witnesses and reviewed numerous financial documents and found that criminal charges were not appropriate. The grand jury did recommend that the State Attorney’s Office, State Auditor General’s Office and Escambia County continue inquiries into town operations.
“We are continuing to review various matters to see if there is anything that should take place,” Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille told NorthEscambia.com after the report was released. “The grand jury is still in session until June, but we do not anticipate bringing any of these matters back to the grand jury.”
If the grand jury recommendation is followed, it would leave Century has just a shell the town’s current structure, with most services provided by other agencies. Currently, the town does not provide law enforcement or other emergency response, with those services provided by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Escambia County EMS and Escambia Fire Rescue. Escambia County currently provide code enforcement for the town.
The town uses a contract private attorney and CPA. “It appears that Town officials are sometimes reluctant to seek the advice of their attorney because of concerns related to expenses,” the report notes.
The grand jury recommended that Century divest its gas, water and sewage service in order to pay debt, leaving a town and council responsible for only for roads, parks and land use regulations.
“Based upon our review, we are deeply concerned with the financial status of Century….Financial audits indicate that Century’s overall financial condition demonstrates signs of deterioration which may result in a future financial emergency. The poor relationship between the Mayor and at least several members of the Town Council has hampered the ability of the Town to respond to this situation.”
GAS DEPARTMENT
The town’s gas department once had 1,000 customers, but that number has fallen to 500 to 600 customers, with the Florida Department of Corrections being the largest customers at more than 20 percent of revenues reported in various enterprise funds.
The gas fund lost $527,738 in the 2016 and 2017 fiscal years.
“The reasons for these losses are many. The system itself is antiquated and has not been adequately maintained. Employees responsible for reading the meters have failed to do so properly or have not read them at all. Between twenty five and fifty customers have received gas services without ever having been billed. The prison and other commercial customers have had either inadequate or faulty meters which have resulted in substantial under charging.
“Unaccounted gas is the amount of gas that comes into the system minus the amount that is sold to customers. All gas services will have some unaccounted gas. Industry standards puts this amount at less than two or three percent. In 2015 Century reported unaccounted gas as 14.0 percent, in 2016 12.4 percent and in 2017 as 12.9 percent. In 2018 this amount jumped to 41.9 percent. This means that of the natural gas bought and paid for by Century in 2018 only 58.1 percent was actually paid for by its customers.
WATER AND SEWER
Financial concerns with the enterprise operations are not limited to the gas service. In 2016 and 2017, the water and sewer department lost $465,900.
FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES
Payroll checks for employees have been written on an account that did not have sufficient funds to cover these checks. This was caused by the failure to transfer sufficient funds from other accounts to the payroll account to cover these costs. Federal withholding was not paid to the United States Treasury because sufficient funds were not available. This resulted in fines or penalties being imposed.
Routine bills such as utilities and telephone are regularly not paid timely because sufficient funds are not available.
“The Town pays 99 percent of the employee’s health insurance premium and 78 percent for the employee’s family. Five employees were under withheld resulting in a cost to the town of approximately $6,000. While these costs have been paid timely, witnesses have indicated that Century cannot afford to continue lo pay for such an expensive program.”
LOANS
In 2003, loans were provided by the town to several business owners for economic development purposes. Three of these people went on to become elected officials, two who presently serve on the council and one who was a previous mayor. One of these loans was not paid timely and the council in July 2018, modified the terms of that loan to extend the repayment time by an additional three years. The monthly payments were also lowered at that time. These loans do not appear to have been listed on any audit as a debt owed to the town until 2017…14 years after the first loan.
BUDGET NOT REALISTIC
“The council must adopt a budget for each fiscal year. for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017 the original general fund budget was $679,857. This was later amended to $1,053,830 and the actual expenditures was $1,359,964. Revenues in the current year’s budget have been raised by approximately 30 percent. There does not appear to be a realistic basis for this increase. In order to make up this shortfall it was necessary for the Town to borrow from other accounts.
“According to the most recent audit, these funds were borrowed from restricted accounts made up of gas taxes and monies from the Local Option Sales Tax, Gas taxes may only be used for road improvement and LOST funds may only be used for infrastructure or purchases having an expected life expectancy of at least five years. They cannot be used for the day to day operation of the Town. Century improperly borrowed $306,134 in fiscal year 2017 from these funds which must be repaid.
“This is not the first year that Century has borrowed from these funds. As of September 30, 2017, the Special Revenue Fund was owed approximately $2,700.000. In June 2018 the Council approved a repayment plan of $300 per month. At this rate it would take 750 years to pay back these funds.”
SUNSHINE AND PUBLIC RECORDS
The grand jury said there appears to be a lack of understanding of the requirements of both the Sunshine and Public Record Laws. Testimony we have heard indicates that numerous public record requests have not been responded to in a timely manner. Minutes of council meetings have not been prepared for months at a time. The digital recording of at least one meeting has been lost. The file containing the paperwork for the economic development loan made to one council member has been misplaced and cannot be located. The Office of the State Attorney filed charges of noncriminal violations of the Sunshine Law against three members of the town council. All pleaded no contest and were fined.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The grand jury found there are no policies and procedure manuals to be used by office staff, and no adequate job descriptions when seeking new employees.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Molino Woman Cited After Wreck Involving School Bus
March 6, 2019
A Molino woman was cited in a three vehicle crash involving a school bus Wednesday.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 69-year old Shirley Lee was traveling north in the center lane of Davis Highway near Bloodworth Lane in her 2016 Honda Civic when she changed lanes and hit a stopped Jeep Cherokee driven by 37-year old Patsy Curtis of Pensacola. The Jeep rotated into the path of a school bus driven by Deborah January, 51, of Pensacola.
Curtis received minor injuries. None of the other drivers or passengers, including 13 passengers on the school bus, were injured.
Lee was charged with careless driving by the FHP.
Escambia County To Replace Timber Bridge On O.C. Phillips Road
March 6, 2019
Escambia County is set to rebuild a wood timber bridge on Occie Phillips Road near Walnut Hill.
The commission will vote Thursday on the award of a contract up to $634,175.53 to American Consulting Engineers of Florida to design a the new bridge. It will replace a 75-foot long timber bridge over Brushy Creek.
Local Agency Program (LAP) funding from the federal government is expected in 2020 for bridge construction.
NorthEscambia.com file photos.
Prison Staffing Shortage, Drones Eyed By House
March 6, 2019
A criminal justice package that would help state correctional facilities address a growing problem with staffing shortages and drones flying contraband into prisons advanced Tuesday in the Florida House with the endorsement of the head of the Department of Corrections.
“Obviously, I support this legislation — drones and prisons don’t mix,” Department of Corrections Secretary Mark Inch said. “Not only is there the risk of contraband, but even the use of drones to surveil the prisons, look at our security procedure and look at inmates in our facilities … is a risk to our facilities.”
The House Civil Justice Subcommittee approved the proposal without opposition. The measure (PCB CRJ 19-01) would ban the use of drones over and near state and private correctional facilities as well as juvenile detention centers. Also, the bill would lower the minimum age of correctional officers from 19 to 18.
Inch said changing the age eligibility would be a big help to help fill vacancies in prisons, an ongoing problem statewide. The turnover rate for state correctional officers last year was 29 percent, department spokeswoman Michelle Glady said. At the end of last year, the department counted nearly 2,000 vacancies.
“Properly staffed correctional institutions help strengthen public safety across the state, and this legislation directly assists the department by increasing the number of eligible candidates for hire,” Glady said.
Last month, prison wardens urged members of the Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Subcommittee to adequately fund the department as it deals with aging facilities and the problems with retaining prison staff.
Most wardens testified that staffing shortages are fueled by low salaries, poor working conditions and high demand for overtime shifts.
Inch asked lawmakers to picture the minimum-age proposal as an opportunity to give high school students interested in law-enforcement careers an early start.
“I’m very confident in our ability to train them and lead them well,” Inch said. “This will start our process in addressing the recruitment and retention problem we have in our state correctional system.”
Inch said training for 18-year-olds would include unarmed self-defense training.
The fact that the measure emerged as a committee bill — rather than a regular bill filed by a House member — signals that it will be a criminal-justice priority of House Republican leaders. It was not clear Tuesday when the measure will be heard next.
by Ana Ceballos, The News Service of Florida
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Molino Park Elementary Students Celebrate The Arts
March 6, 2019
Molino Park Elementary School held its annual Art Day recently.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Students spent the day immersed in a variety of fine arts from distinguished guests, such as Deborah Andress, Haley Krostag, Dale Cooey, Lyvonne Patterson, Patsy Pennington, Matt Brabham, Kaye’s Music, Pensacappella, Pensacola Symphony Ensemble, Mr. Mac’s Drum, Twirl Girlz, Schmidt’s Music and the Northview High School Percussion. The day concluded with the “Roundup”, where Heather Leonard’s Danceworks got students on their feet dancing a “Happy Dance” in the school cafeteria.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Softball: Tate Beats Milton; Northview Shuts Out Crestview
March 6, 2019
The Tate Aggies beat the visiting Milton Panthers Tuesday 9-6.
Avery Beauchanie earned the win in the circle for the Lady Aggies, surrendering six runs and seven hit and striking out two in seven innings. At bat, she was 2-4 with a RBI.
Holland went 3-4 to lead Tate. Also for the Aggies: Amber Decoux 2-2, 2R; Shelby McClean 2-3, R; Lilly Locke 1-2, 2R, 2RBI; Madison Holland 3-4, 1R, 3RBI; Gabby Locke R; Hannah Halfacre R; Ryleigh Cawby, R.
The Aggies will travel to Niceville on Friday.
Northview 10, Crestview 0
Northview 4, Crestview 4 (tied)
The Northview Chiefs shut out Crestview Tuesday 10-0 in Bratt.
Tori Herrington earned the win striking out six.
Also for Northview: Aubree Love 2-2, 2R, 2RBI; BB Watson 2-3, 2R; Kendall Enfinger 2RBI; Makayla Jeneske 1-2, R; Navaeh Brown 1-2, RBI, R; Katlin Gafford RBI.
The Chiefs will host Chipley on Thursday with JV at 4:00, varsity at 6:00.
Freeze Warning Tonight
March 6, 2019
There is a freeze warning in effect for tonight. Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Areas of frost after midnight. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 31. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Areas of frost before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 63. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 48. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before midnight, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 73.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 74.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75.
Pensacola Bay Ferry Service To Return With New Operator
March 6, 2019
The National Park Service and HMS Ferries, Inc. have signed a 10 year concessions contract for the operation of Pensacola Bay Cruises. HMS will immediately begin preparing for the 2019 season. Service startup date, schedule, prices, and other details will be announced as soon as they are available. Tickets for regular service will be all-day hop-on, hop-off, and discounts may be offered for children, military, seniors, groups, and frequent riders. Park entrance fees are waived for visitors arriving at Fort Pickens via Pensacola Bay Cruises.
“We’re excited to start working with HMS Ferries, Inc. and to see this wonderful opportunity return to Gulf Islands National Seashore this spring,” said Superintendent Dan Brown. The service provides the community and visitors a unique way to experience the exceptional marine resources of Pensacola Bay and provides an attractive transportation option between Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, and Fort Pickens. Each leg of the triangular route passes through national seashore waters, which encircle Santa Rosa Island. Pensacola Bay Cruises will operate seasonally during the spring, summer and fall recreation season.
Pensacola Bay Cruises’ 150 passenger boats, named Turtle Runner and Pelican Perch, were built with funds received via a post-Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement reached with BP. The settlement earmarked some funds specifically to compensate the public for the temporary lost use of the national seashore beaches and waters. The settlement earmarked other funds for restoration of the park’s natural resources injured by the spill.
HMS (Hornblower Maritime Services) has over 25 years of experience in the maritime industry, and currently operates boat cruises and ferries at locations across the country including the Mobile Bay and Gees Bend ferries in Alabama, and St. Johns River ferry in Jacksonville, Florida. They bring an experienced and capable team to the operation at Gulf Islands National Seashore and its community partners.
DeSantis Calls For ‘Bold’ Action In State Of State Address
March 6, 2019
While focusing heavily on now-familiar priorities such as the environment and education, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday used his first State of the State address to emphasize a need to take “bold” action.
In a 34-minute speech to lawmakers gathered in a joint session in the flower-filled House chamber, DeSantis touted issues that he has discussed during appearances across the state since taking office Jan. 8. They included efforts to improve water quality, expand school choice and prevent so-called sanctuary cities.
He repeatedly used the word “bold” to describe his agenda and to urge lawmakers to take action.
“Let’s fight the good fight, let’s finish the race, let’s keep the faith so that when Floridians look back on the fruits of this session, they will see it as one of our state’s finest hours,” he said in the address, the traditional start to the 60-day legislative session.
DeSantis, a former Republican congressman, was elected in November without experience in Tallahassee. But since his inauguration, DeSantis has bounced across the state announcing policy priorities.
Some of his actions, such as an initiative to improve water quality, have generally received bipartisan support. That initiative came after parts of Southeast Florida and Southwest Florida were plagued by red tide and toxic algae last year. DeSantis quickly focused on the environmental efforts during the State of the State.
“Florida is blessed with some of the nation’s finest natural resources,” he said. “We’re the fishing and boating capital of the United States. Our beaches bring millions of tourists to our state each and every year. The state’s unique natural environment is central to our economy, our quality of life and our identity as Floridians. I’m proud to have taken swift and bold action to protect our natural resources and improve Florida’s water quality.”
But other priorities have been more controversial, with DeSantis’ push to expand school vouchers likely to spur a major debate during the session. To make the issue more personal, DeSantis on Tuesday introduced Shareka Wright, an Orlando garbage-truck driver and single mother of three who could benefit from expanded school choice programs.
“We are a big, diverse state, and one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to education,” DeSantis said. “Let’s stand with working moms like Shareka and empower them to choose the best learning environment for their kids.”
Senate Minority Leader Audrey Gibson, D-Jacksonville, said in a televised response to the State of the State address that DeSantis should focus on providing high quality education in public schools.
“While the governor says his plan is about helping kids get a better education, especially disadvantaged kids, make no mistake about it, the plan is all about draining millions of your tax dollars to give to private schools, while dismembering public education in the state of Florida where the accountability and transparency parents seek and expect is already built into the public school system,” Gibson said. “None of these factors are guaranteed in publicly funded private schools because none of it is required.”
Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez, D-Miami, said DeSantis also is not adequately addressing issues such as climate change and access to health care.
“When it comes to most water policy, the governor has taken concrete steps to move us forward,” Rodriguez said. “Everywhere else, he has either continued bad policy or signaled that he’d like to, on the most important issues in our state.”
But with Republicans holding a massive majority in the House and a solid majority in the Senate, Democrats have relatively little power to block DeSantis’ agenda — if he can nail down support from Republicans. At least in some areas, such as expanding school choice, he appears to have support in both chambers.
Similarly, DeSantis’ controversial push to ban “sanctuary cities” has already started moving forward in the Senate. The push is intended to ensure local governments in Florida comply with requests from federal immigration authorities.
DeSantis on Tuesday cited a Jacksonville couple, Bobby and Kiyan Michael, whose son was killed by someone who was in the country illegally after being deported twice, the governor said.
“Florida will not be a sanctuary state — we will not allow someone here illegally to commit criminal misconduct and simply be returned to our communities.,” DeSantis said. “And we won’t tolerate sanctuary cities that actively frustrate law enforcement by shielding criminal aliens from accountability at the expense of public safety.”
For the complete text of the State of State address, click here.
— News Service Assignment Manager Tom Urban contributed to this report.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida