Shouting Match: Century Council Members Spar Over Attendance, Call To Resign
January 20, 2022
A week after the Century Town Council was unable to do business without a proper quorum, the council voted this week to change their meeting schedule and elected leadership in a meeting that evolved into a shouting match.
The vote as 4-1, with Leonard White against, for Luis Gomez, Jr. as the council president. With a 5-0 vote, Dynette Lewis was named vice president.
With a unanimous vote, regular meetings were changed from Mondays to the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. The council moved the meetings, in part, because White has been unable to attend Monday meetings due to his job as a corrections officer.
“Tuesday would be best for me. Like I said, whatever works best for Mr. White,” James Smith (pictured above, left) added. “We don’t have the luxury of just sitting home and doing nothing, so we got to make sure that it works both best for us.”
White and Smith began to question why they learned from a NorthEscambia.com article that Gomez had called for them to step down if they cannot attend meetings. Due to his job, Smith often joins council meetings late on Zoom and arrives in-person late in a meeting after most business has been addressed. White has missed many, many meetings altogether over the last several months.
“Why do you want us to resign, when we got to take care of your families; this is where we live. This is where we from. This is our home” White (pictured above, right) said. “Ain’t nobody going to run me from my home….if Century want me to resign, then vote me off, but don’t put me in the newspaper saying that we need to resign because we do our job, and we do it right.”
White said he was addressing his comments at both Gomez and NorthEscambia.com Publisher William Reynolds as he expressed his displeasure about the news story.
In the January 12 article, Gomez was quoted as saying: “You should give that position your best. And if you do anything less than your best is not just for your benefit, it’s for the benefit of the people that elected you,…If you feel that your job is more important, maybe you should just do your job and be a good sport. Step down and allow someone who’s going to do the town the justice it deserves.” (Click here to download and hear Gomez’s comment in complete context.)
Tuesday night, Gomez (pictured left) again addressed the issue as the discussion evolved into a shouting match.
“I’m going to say this because I am saying it to your face,” Gomez said to White.
“You don’t don’t talk to my face now,” White replied.
The discussion continued for several more minutes, becoming more heated as council members started to shout.
“If y’all don’t like what I said, do something about it. Either show up or resign,” Gomez said Tuesday night.
“What, what, what, what place do you have to tell me to resign though?” Smith questioned. “If I’m going to resign, I’ll resign if I want to.”
“We have jobs, man. We have jobs” White said.
“Go do your job, and let somebody else do this,” Gomez responded. “Okay, let somebody do this, and you do your job.”
The council discussion moved into other unrelated discussions, before Smith returned in the “council comments” portion of the agenda.
“None of you are going to question my integrity if I’m passionate about the town of Century. And you, nor Will, will ever dictate if I’m going to resign,” Smith said, addressing his comments to Gomez and Reynolds.
“My job entails a lot, and I don’t have to indulge you (Gomez) or that idiot (Reynolds). So I’m not okay with how you choose to think because you’re a president or whatever you are, you can poke your chest out and determine what place I have here and the town,” Smith continued.
According to previous council statements, Gomez is retired. White is a corrections officer at the Century Correctional Institution, and Smith is employed by an area school. Council member Dynette Lewis is employed by a manufacturing company, and Sandra McMurray-Jackson owns a local service business.
Pictured top: Century council members James Smith (left) and Leonard White. Pictured inset: Council president Luis Gomez, Jr. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Winter Weather Advisory: Freezing Rain Possible
January 20, 2022
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from midnight Thursday through noon Friday.
Freezing rain is expected with a light icy glaze possible. Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous.
For a list of what is closed Friday, click here.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A chance of rain between midnight and 3am, then a slight chance of freezing rain after 3am. Cloudy, with a low around 31. Wind chill values between 25 and 30. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday: A chance of freezing rain before 10am, then a chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 43. Wind chill values between 20 and 30. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Wind chill values between 25 and 30. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 26. North wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 50. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 29. Calm wind.
Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 55. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Showers likely, mainly after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 42. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 50.
New EMS Dashboard Shows Number Of Calls, Dispatches, Overdoses And More
January 20, 2022
Have you ever wondered how many calls Escambia County EMS answers?
Escambia County EMS has launch a new information dashboard that includes:
- EMS calls dispatched by Emergency Communications (updated daily)
- Transports to local hospitals by EMS (updated daily)
- On-scene cardiac/respiratory arrests (updated weekly)
- On-scene overdoses (updated weekly)
- ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI/Heart Attack) events (updated weekly)
- Motor-vehicle crashes (updated weekly)
“This dashboard is an opportunity to further educate the citizens about the services provided by EMS and Emergency Communications,” said Escambia County Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore. “Every day, the men and women within our Public Safety department dedicate their lives to the safety and wellbeing of Escambia County citizens, and we believe this dashboard reflects that effort while also educating the general public to the extent of our services.”
Escambia County EMS Chief David Torsell III, who began his career with Escambia County on June 1, 2021, introduced the idea of creating the EMS Dashboard in an effort to convey the services performed by EMS, highlight the volume of calls EMS responds to, and provide access for citizens to view the daily, weekly and yearly 911 call totals.
“I’m encouraged that an idea came to fruition through a collaborative effort between EMS and other county departments,” said Torsell. “The information on the EMS dashboard should help inform our community on how busy we are and what EMS is doing in our community.”
The EMS Dashboard can be found here.
Pictured: A snapshot of the Escambia County EMS Dashboard late Wednesday night. NorthEscambia.com image.
Regional Roundup Household Hazardous Waste Roundup Saturday In Molino
January 20, 2022
The next Escambia County Regional Roundup will be held next Saturday, January 22 at Molino Park Elementary School.
Regional Roundup events provide an opportunity to properly dispose of electronics, household hazardous waste and up to four tires per vehicle, all free of charge. Proof of Escambia County residency is required to participate in Regional Roundup, such as a driver’s license, power bill or voter registration card. This is a residential drop-off program only; no commercial waste accepted. Simply drive up and materials will be unloaded for you – no need to get out of your vehicle.
The event will take place from 8 a.m. until noon in the school parking lot at 899 Highway 97.
Items accepted include:
- Computers (monitors, terminals, keyboards and mice)
- Printers and copiers
- TVs and remotes
- DVD players
- Gaming systems
- Fax machines
- Stereo systems
- Cell phones and telephones
- Paint (up to 20 gallons)
- Fuel (up to 10 gallons)
- Waste oil (up to five gallons)
- Fluorescent lights (up to 10 lights)
- Tires (up to four per vehicle)
- Antifreeze
- Oil filters
- Lubricants and greases
- Solvents
- Pesticides
- Fertilizers
- Batteries (rechargeable, lithium, computer, cell phone, etc.)
- Auto, marine and motorcycle batteries
- Propane bottles
- Pool cleaners
- Household cleaners
Items NOT accepted include:
- Commercial waste
- Electronics that have been gutted
- Appliances, including fans and air conditioners
- Household garbage
- Yard debris or limbs
- Scrap metal
- Medical waste
- Medications
- Furniture and mattresses
- Building materials (concrete, bricks, blocks, roofing, drywall or lumber)
Five Finalists Announced For Escambia Teacher Of The Year
January 20, 2022
Five finalists have been named for Escambia County Teacher of the Year.
They are, in alphabetical order:
- Laura Hobbs, Lincoln Park Elementary School
- Alison Link, A.K. Suter Elementary School
- Caleb Lovely, Warrington Middle School
- Jamiliya McBride, Pine Forest High School
- Jessica Phelps, Kingsfield Elementary School
The winner will be announced during the Escambia County School District Golden Apple Awards Teacher of the Year Banquet on January 28.
Byrneville Elementary Names Students Of The Month
January 20, 2022
Byrneville Elementary School recently named December Students of the Month.
They are:
- 1st Grade: Suzi Pope and William Maxwell
- 2nd Grade: Coraline Pope and Charlie Trawick
- 3rd Grade: Mary Stephen Moody and Cohen Linton
- 4th Grade: Douglas Maxwell and Layla Schoonover
- 5th Grade: Jesse McElhaney and Ashanti Manuel
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Alabama Schools Closed Friday Due To Winter Weather Chance
January 20, 2022
FOR AN UPDATED STORY, CLICK OR TAP HERE.
Due to the possibility of winter weather Friday morning, all public schools in Escambia County, Alabama, will be closed on Friday.
Friday will be a remote learning day for all students in Escambia County, Alabama, and teachers will send assignments home with students on Thursday. Athletic events scheduled for Friday will continue
Any decision about Escambia County Schools in Florida will be made on Thursday and announced here on NorthEscambia.com.
For the latest local forecast, click or tap here.
Ms. Sharon Spivey
January 20, 2022
Ms. Sharon Spivey, age 68, passed away Saturday, January 8, 2022 in Mobile, Alabama. She resided most of her life in Century, FL.
She valued her time she got to spend with her family. She enjoyed fishing, dancing, watching Alabama Football, and Nascar Racing.
She is preceded in death by her mother and father, John Etheridge and Annie Mae (Wiggins) Bell one brother: Akron Lindsey and three sisters; Mary Lois Lindsey, Helen Wilson, and Pearl Wilson.
She is survived by her two sons, Casey Townson (Dusty Wooten) of Atmore, AL, Bryan (Kim) McGhee of Atmore, AL; one God Child; Haley Odom, one daughter, Angela (Mark) McGowin of GrandBay, AL; one brother; Winston (Joan) Lindsey of Brewton, AL; two sisters, Judy (Bo) Franklin, of Brewton, AL; Jackie (Willie Jo) Holmes, of Brewton, AL; special sister, Pam Payne, twelve grandchildren, Madison, Anna, Cameron, Brylynn, Braeden, T.J., Maci, Jacob, Casey, Maxwell, Kaylea, Dakota, five great-grandchildren, Harper, Berkleigh, Cason, Aubrey, and Rylee and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC with Rev. Farron Wilson officiating.
Burial will follow at Godwin Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 12, 2022 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC.
Pallbearers will be Greg Odom, Brandon Burkett, Bradley Baker, Cameron McCall, Ronnie Boone, and Dustin Rabon.
Lorine Kelly Davis Elliott
January 20, 2022
Mrs. Lorine Kelly Davis Elliott, age 86 of Bratt, FL; passed into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Friday, January 14, 2022. She was born April 13, 1935, and although we are heartbroken, she is gone, we should be reminded that while this is the end of her physical life here on Earth, it is only the beginning of an eternal and beautiful journey. As she joins her parents, Ora and Vina Kelly, numerous siblings, and husbands, Jasper Davis, and I.V. Elliott to walk the streets of gold in Heaven.
She is survived by one sister, Clara Franklin, of Dothan, AL; and two brothers, Charles (Eloise) Kelly, of Dunn, NC; and Sylvester (Wanda) Kelly, of Bay Minette, AL.
Although Lorine was never blessed with children of her own, it did not stop her from extending her love and wisdom to dear friends, Leslie and Susan Barnes, their children, Ryleigh Barnes, Blake and Carrie Barnes, Trey and Linsay Rector their children, Dustin, Sophia and Zander Rector, who all considered her their “Grandma”. She also leaves behind her friends and neighbors, Tony and Becky Wheeler, who enjoyed many hours of good conversations, fun road trips, and life lessons that will never be forgotten. Her red velvet cake will be missed by many.
Much of Lorine’s life was devoted to caring for others at the same time maintaining public jobs along the way. She was a dedicated lifetime member of Bratt Assembly of God church, where she was happy to serve her community and witness for the Lord. She influenced everyone she met with her faith and love for Christ. Her wisdom and understanding were God given. Her motto was “I am blessed, I will bless you, now go bless somebody.” We were all blessed she was a part of our lives.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at 12:30 PM at Bratt Assembly of God Church with her brother, Charles Kelly officiating.
Burial will follow at Godwin Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 19, 2022 from 11:30 AM until service time at 12:30 PM at Bratt Assembly of God Church.
Pallbearers will be Leslie Barnes, of Bratt, FL; Blake Barnes, of Bratt, FL; Tony Wheeler, of Bratt, FL; Scott Higginbothem, of Pace, FL; and Eddy Higginbothem, of Pace, FL; and Darin Peebles, of Bratt, FL.
Immediately following services there will be a short prayer at the graveside at Bratt Godwin Cemetery.
A special thank you to Jeannie Lambeth and her entire caring staff at The Summit in Atmore, AL; who lovingly took care of Lorine. Your professionalism and extra efforts to make your facility feel like home were unmatched. Forever grateful, thank you will never be enough.
Man Shot And Killed After Firing At Deputies In Perdido, Alabama
January 19, 2022
A man was shot and killed by Baldwin County deputies early Wednesday morning in Perdido.
The man has been identified as Ronald W. Flowers II of Bay Minette.
Deputies were investigating a suspicious person on the area of County Road 47 and McCoy Road, about two miles from the Florida line.
The BCSO said that while relaying Flowers’ information to dispatchers, he produced a gun and fired at least one round at deputies. Two deputies returned fire striking Flowers, who died at the scene. The deputies were not injured.
The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office has requested that an independent review of this incident be conducted.
File photo.