Century Council To Review City Manager’s Job Performance At Workshop Meeting
August 9, 2021
The Century Town Council will a hold a special workshop meeting Thursday to evaluate the job performance of Interim Town Manager Vernon Prather.
In late June, the council was set to hold the performance review. but backed out of the schedule agenda item. Council members were to have submitted written evaluation forms to he town clerk, but all five failed to do so.
Prather was hired in December 2019, and his contract was extended for a year in December 2020. He is paid $1,200 a week ($40 per hour) to work 30 hours on a schedule of his choosing. He is also paid a $600 per month vehicle allowance, but receives no other benefits.
His contract specifies that the mayor and town council will meet with him “at least every three months for the purpose of defining goals and performance objective”. That has not taken place to date in 2021.
The city manager job performance evaluation workshop will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Century Town Hall.
Pictured: Century Interim Town Manager Vernon Prather. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Police: Man Found Passed Out In Vehicle At Railroad Tracks Facing Drug Charges
August 9, 2021
A Century man is facing drug charges in Alabama after officers allegedly found him passed out in his vehicle at a railroad crossing.
Early Saturday morning, the Flomaton Police Department responded to the area of a railroad crossing on Old Fannie Road, just north of the Florida/Alabama state line. According to police, the driver was unconscious with his foot on the brake, but the vehicle was not in park.
After multiple attempts, the Flomaton officer was able to wake the driver.
Brandon William Qualls, 30, admitted to smoking synthetic cannabinoids, also known as spice, and was found to be in possession of the drug, according to police.
“This incident could have ended terribly both for the public and the defendant, fortunately no one was injured or harmed,” Flomaton Police said in a statement.
Qualls was charged with possession of a controlled substance (spice-synthetic cannabinoid), driving under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving with a revoked license, operating a vehicle without insurance and switching a tag.
Qualls was booked into the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton without bond.
Today Is The Last Day Of Florida’s Back To School Sales Tax Holiday
August 9, 2021
Today is the last day of Florida’s back to school sales tax holiday.
During the sales tax holiday period, qualifying items will be exempt from tax, including certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item; clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $60 or less per item; and the first $1,000 of the sales price of personal computers and certain computer-related accessories purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.
For complete details from the Florida Department of Revenue, click or tap here.
Florida Gas Prices Inch Lower After Six Cent Jump
August 9, 2021
Florida gas prices are inching lower after setting a new 2021 high last week. The state average jumped nearly six cents per gallon, briefly reaching $3.03 per gallon. By Sunday, the state average inched once-cent lower.
The state average of $3.02 per gallon is five cents per gallon more than a week ago and one-cent per gallon more than a month ago.
The average per gallon of regular unleaded was $3.03 Sunday night in Escambia County. A North Escambia low of $2.94 could be found at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment, while Pensacola prices bottomed out at $2.82 at a Nine Mile Road store.
“Gas prices jumped early last week because of lower gasoline supplies and a weaker dollar,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “However by the end of the week, futures prices dropped 8% on a stronger dollar and concerns about how the spread of COVID-19 could curb global fuel demand. If sustained, lower futures prices would enable gas prices to slip lower this week.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Katherine Wiggins
August 9, 2021
Katherine Wiggins gained her heavenly crown August 6, 2021. She was born in Moyeville on July 9, 1938. She was a seamstress at Vanity Fair Mills in Atmore until she eloped with her husband Sylvester Wiggins of Goodway. She enjoyed helping raise those grandchildren. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Goodway.
Mrs. Wiggins is preceded in death by husbands John Thomas (JT) Kelly, Ingram Luker and Wendell Kelly, Sr. , her father George Franklin “Frank” Roberson and mother Nannie Ellen Burkett Roberson, and one brother Otha Roberson.
She is survived by her husband of 33 years David Sylvester Wiggins of Goodway, her son Terry “Steve” (Kimberly) Kelly of Atmore, stepsons Rodney (Carol) Wiggins
of Mobile, David (Elaine) Wiggins, Terry (Janice) Wiggins, and Melvin (Sissy) Wiggins, all of Goodway, and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 11 at Petty Funeral Home in Atmore with visitation at 10am and service following at 11am., with Pastor Randy Davis officiating. Interment will be at Godwin Cemetery in Bratt, FL. Pallbearers will include Brandon Wiggins, Koleman Wiggins, Kampbell Wiggins, Jessie Wiggins, Kyle Wiggins, Kelly Wiggins and Michael Roberson.
Big Day For Burdick, But Blue Wahoos Drop Series Finale
August 9, 2021
Biloxi took advantage of some Blue Wahoos miscues in the sixth inning to break open a scoreless game and followed with a 5-2 win Sunday in the series finale between the teams.
The outcome earned the Shuckers (32-52) a split in the six games at MGM Park in Biloxi, Miss. The Blue Wahoos (42-42) dropped back to .500 and extended their struggles to win a series since taking five games from Biloxi during the Fourth of July weekend in Pensacola.
Following the game, the Blue Wahoos returned home and will begin a 12-game homestand on Tuesday at Blue Wahoos Stadium with the first six games against the Montgomery Biscuits. The Biscuits (47-36) are a half-game behind the Mississippi Braves atop their division in the Double-A South.
The Biscuits’ series will feature a special “Social Media Night” on Tuesday, followed by the much-anticipated “Crabzilla Festival” on Wednesday. In that game, the Blue Wahoos will wear custom-made, orange colored uniforms for the Crabzilla promotion in celebration of the popular, monster crab sandwich sold at the ballpark.
In addition, there will be a Giveaway Friday promotion and the standard Saturday fireworks show during the homestand. The Blue Wahoos will then host the Shuckers for a series which begins Aug. 17.
Sunday’s game in Biloxi began with outstanding pitching on both sides. Blue Wahoos starter Jeff Lindgren (3-8, 4.77 ERA) produced one of his finest outings of the season before running into trouble in the sixth.
The Shuckers began their rally with a leadoff double by Ryan Aguilar – only the fourth hit allowed by Lindgren – then followed by scoring three runs without another hit.
A throwing error by Blue Wahoos catcher Santiago Chavez on a sacrifice bunt allowed the first run to score. Then a wild pitch and a one-out walk by Lindgren led to a pitching change. Lindgren left with 5.1 innings pitched four hits, one earned run and walked just one batter in a solid outing.
Reliever Jefry Yan replaced Lindgren and struggled. He threw a wild pitch, followed by an RBI sacrifice fly, then hit a batter and walked the next two to force in a third run.
The Shuckers added two more runs in the seventh inning on an error, plus solo home run off reliever Matt Pobereyko.
The Blue Wahoos got their first run in the eighth inning after Peyton Burdick led off with a walk and eventually scored on Chris Chinea’s one-out single.
It was another big game for Burdick, who went 3-for-4 and drove in a ninth-inning run. He will enter the homestand needing one home run to match the Blue Wahoos’ franchise record (20) set by the Cincinnati Reds’ Aristides Aquino during his tenure in Pensacola.
Chinea had two hits in the game, along with a walk to boost his average to .278.
In the first six innings, the Blue Wahoos had just two hits, both by Burdick, and only four baserunners. The Shuckers first three pitchers combined to record seven strikeouts and just two walks.
Up next, the Blue Wahoos will host the Montgomery Biscuits August 10-15. Games Tuesday through Friday start at 6:35 p.m., then 6:05 p.m. on Saturday and 4:05 p.m. on Sunday.
by Bill Vilona, Blue Wahoos senior writer
Calvin Myles, Sr.
August 9, 2021
Calvin Myles, Sr., 73, departed this earth on August 1, 2021, peacefully at his home in Stuttgart, Arkansas. He was born July 3, 1948, in Atmore, Alabama, the son of Lewis Williams and Annie Jewel Myles.
Calvin graduated from Century High School in Century, Florida. After graduation, Calvin joined the military and retired after 22 years of service to the United States Air Force with the rank of master sergeant. He was respected by all who worked with him for his attention to details, as well as his dedication and commitment to his country. Calvin married his sweetheart Rubye Mullins on November 14, 1971. Together they saw a bit of the world through his military assignments. During his military career, he professed his belief in Jesus and gave his life to Him including being baptized. He served in different capacities within the church to include Sunday school leader, Bible study leader, deacon and usher.
He leaves a legacy of honor, integrity, and love. Calvin was a soft-spoken man with a smile that was inviting to all who met him. He was a devoted husband, caring father and grandfather, servant of God and respecter of all persons.
In addition to his parents, Calvin was predeceased by his sister Hazel Myles and his brother Sam Myles. He is survived by his wife of 49 years Rubye and their five children: Leslie Davis (Joshua) of Cedar Hill, TX, Hope Graves (Keith) of Atlanta, GA, Calvin Myles, Jr. (Angela) of Bryant, AR, Lisa Albarado (Ernest) of Terrell, TX, and Matthew Myles of Addison, TX; grandchildren: Calvin, Cara, Christopher, Kourtnee, Catherine, Michaela, Calvin III, Kavon, Justen, Matthew Jr., Korey and Toviah; brothers: Willie Williams (Yolanda) of Florida, Leslie Williams (JoAnn) of Alabama, Johnnie Williams of Alabama, and Gary Myles of Florida; sisters: Ruby Mitchell (Calvin) of Florida and Eunice Luckie (Lewis) of Florida; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and nephews.
Funeral services held August 7, 2021, at 2:30 p.m. at New Bethel AME, 201 E. 16th St, Stuttgart, Arkansas.
Higher Humidity, Higher Chance Of Scattered Afternoon Storms For Monday
August 9, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Monday: Mostly sunny. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, then chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 90s. Southwest winds up to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation 50 percent. Heat index readings around 105.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 70s. Southwest winds up to 5 mph in the evening becoming light.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, then chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 90s. East winds up to 5 mph shifting to the south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation 50 percent. Heat index readings around 106.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 70s. South winds up to 5 mph in the evening becoming light.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 90s.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the mid 70s.
Thursday: Mostly sunny with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 90s.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 70s.
Friday: Mostly sunny with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 90s.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 70s.
Saturday: Mostly sunny with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 90s.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 70s.
Sunday: Mostly sunny with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 90s.
Motorcycle Crash In Beulah Claims One Life, Critically Injures Another
August 8, 2021
A collision in Beulah claimed the life of one motorcyclist Saturday afternoon and critically injured another.
The crash occurred about 5:05 p.m. at the intersection of West Nine Mile Road and Beulah Road.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a car driven by a 30-year old Pensacola man was traveling east on Nine Mile Road and initiated a turn toward northbound Highway 99. At the same time, the motorcycle traveling west entered the intersection and collided with the right front of the car.
The 49-year old male driver of the motorcycle was pronounced deceased at the scene. His passenger, a 45-year old female from Eight Mile, Alabama, was critically injured. The driver of the car was not injured.
Troopers said charges are unknown at this time. FHP no longer releases the names of traffic crash victims.
Pictured: A motorcyclist was killed in a collision Saturday afternoon at the intersection of West Nine Mile Road and Beulah Road. Photo: Al Showers/WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Traffic Alert: What To Expect This Week
August 8, 2021
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement - Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Monday, Aug. 9 through Saturday, Aug. 14 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Pensacola to Gulf Breeze) structure. Additional work will include installation of pier lighting.
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- 17th Avenue Interchange construction – 17th Avenue southbound remains closed at Bayfront Parkway. Access to the Pensacola Visitor’s Center and boat launch remains open from 17th Avenue.
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the northbound side of the bridge as crews work to replace the southbound portion of the structure.
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- Brief, intermittent lane closures are anticipated to continue through the end of the year as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- Pile driving operations are underway and will take place during daytime hours. Nearby residents and commercial property owners may experience noise and vibration.
- U.S. 29 from South of Muscogee Road (County Road (C.R.) 184) to Atmore Highway (S.R. 97) – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, Aug. 8 through Friday, Aug. 13 as crews perform striping operations and signal work.
- West Cervantes (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project – Drivers will encounter inside lane closures between North Pace Boulevard and J Street to perform median improvement work. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit on West Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) between Dominguez Street and A Street has been permanently reduced to 30 mph.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Pine Forest (S.R. 297) to U.S. 29 – Drivers will encounter intermittent east and westbound traffic shifts between Pine Forest Road and U.S. 29 as crews lay the final layer of asphalt.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at the Innerarity Point (C.R. 292A)–
Motorists can expect daytime shoulder closures the week of Monday, Aug. 9 as crews place a watermain.
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Drivers can expect the following traffic impacts the week of Monday, Aug. 9:
- Intermittent lane closures and shifts 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on U.S. 29 between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road and on Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 interchange.
- The on- and off-ramps at the U.S. 29/Nine Mile Road interchange may be reduced to a single lane during the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Signage will be in place and traffic flaggers will be on-site to direct motorists.
- Interstate 110 (I-110) Maintenance Work on the Eastbound Flyover Ramp onto I-10 – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures on the eastbound flyover ramp on to I-10, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 9 through Thursday, Aug. 12 as crews make repairs to the ramp.
Santa Rosa County
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement - Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Monday, Aug. 9 through Saturday, Aug. 14 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Pensacola to Gulf Breeze) structure. Additional work will include installation of pier lighting.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Crews continue utility relocations, clearing, excavation, drainage improvements, and pond construction. There are no traffic impacts currently.
- Santa Rosa County- The temporary traffic signal that was erected as part of the Pensacola Bay Bridge detour on Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281) at Garcon Point Road (County Road 191) will be removed beginning at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Pictured: The final layer of asphalt on Nine Mile Road near Fowler Avenue. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.