DeSantis Awards $3.255 Million Grant To Century For Two Community Center Renovations
April 8, 2022
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded $3.255 million to the Town of Century Friday for economic development.
The Small Cities Community Development Block Grant will be used to renovate two community centers.
“This is a huge win for our community,” Rep. Michelle Salzman Said. “It is a testament to the mayor working with all levels of the government to get big projects like this across the finish line.”
$1.985 million will be used for the historic Carver Community Center at 7040 West Jefferson Avenue to bring it up to code, renovate the kitchen and bathroom, install HVAC and air purification systems, install a new roof, pave the parking lot and for other building renovations. The former school building was constructed in 1945 [Photo gallery...]
$850,000 will go to the Century Community Center (also known as the Ag Building) at the corner of West Highway 4 and Industrial Boulevard to bring it up to current building code, renovate the kitchen and bathrooms, install a new HVAC and air purification system, install outside lighting and pave the parking lot. The metal building, constructed in 1992 is about 5,000 square feet.
The remainder of the grant will be used for engineering, architectural and administrative costs.
The grant is a significant amount for Century, close to their entire yearly budget minus other grants.
All total, DeSantis awarded $23 million Friday in Northwest Florida for infrastructure improvements and economic development. The $3.255 million for Century was the largest grant awarded.
The Town of Jay also received $300,000 to help with the renovation of the Bray-Hendricks Sports Complex.
Pictured top: Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis (left) looks on as Gov. Ron DeSantis presents a $3.255 million check for economic development to Century Mayor Ben Boutwell. Pictured below: Rep. Michelle Salzman, DeSantis and Boutwell pose during the event at the Indian Pass Raw Bar in Port St. Joe on Friday. Pictured second below: Salzman, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Dane Eagle and Boutwell. Pictured bottom two photos: The Carver Community Center. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Takes Next Step Toward Broadband Internet Network
April 8, 2022
Escambia County has taken the next big step toward a fiber network to provide true high speed broadband internet north of Ten Mile Road.
Thursday night, the county commission voted to accept a county broadband study by Magellan Advisors and ask them to present their findings next week. The vote also divided the county broadband project into two areas — north and south of 10 Mile Road — and committed $10 million to the northern portion from a $22 million American Rescue Plan allocation. The vote also called for a company to provide fiber internet to homes, rather than wireless as outlined in the Magellan study.
The comprehensive motion passed 4-1, with commissioner Doug Underhill against.
Escambia County will contribute $10 million, plus expected grant funds of about $5 million, for the fiber backbone network across the area north of 10 Mile Road. The $12 million remaining will go toward the area south of 10 Mile Road in the future.
The county won’t provide internet all the way to the home. Instead, they will issue a request for proposals from companies to be the internet service provider to the end user.
“‘It’s one time money,” said Commissioner Steven Barry, who has spearheaded the effort over the last couple of years. “Which is why I want to try to mitigate the risk where we are putting in a fixed amount of money that does not end up a (future) burden to our taxpayers. Once we put the dollars in, our responsibility financially is gone, and we’re not putting more at risk.”
Barry said he has meet directly with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity about grants, and having the Magellan study completed will put the county ahead of the curve in seeking state and federal dollars.
The study called for the final delivery of the internet to the end user from the fiber installation through wireless towers. Barry said based upon conversations with companies that may bid on the project, he does not want wireless to the home. Instead, he wants direct fiber homes because wireless has a limited range and decreasing speeds away from towers.
“We share your desire to bring quality high speed broadband service to the unserved and underserved areas of northern Escambia County,” David Deliman, market vice president for Cox Gulf Coast, told the commission Thursday night. He said rather than building out a fiber network that essentially would duplicate the fiber connections to various government offices, the funds should be redirected to help bring broadband to the rural areas of Escambia County where access “is limited at best”.
Deliman said Cox is already partnering on statewide grant opportunities and would be happy to work with the county. That would make the private sector responsible for ongoing maintenance, repairs, upgrades and customer service issues.
“This will ensure much less ongoing risk to the county,” he continued. He said most Escambia County residents south of 10 Mile Road have access to Cox and about 30% of them qualify for free or reduced cost service thanks to several programs.
During the meeting, commissioners said multiple companies have expressed interest in becoming an internet service provider north of 10 Mile Road using the county backbone, which will also provide fiber internet to county facilities.
South of 10 Mile Road, the county is exploring a fiber internet buildout partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation. FDOT plans a traffic operations center at Escambia County Public Safety on W Street and a fiber-based advanced traffic management system south of 10 Mile. The partnership is expected to save the county millions, including $3 million by sharing conduit across the Pensacola Bay Bridge.
The Magellan study found that almost all residents in the more northern parts of Escambia County do not have any access to the internet at the federally defined minimum broadband speed of 25/3 Mbps.
Magellan Advisors of Denver, Colorado, was selected from five submitted. The company has done similar work in Florida for 25 governmental clients including Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach and Seminole County.
Weekend Events: Barrineau Park Spring Gathering, Scout Yard Sale, Flomaton Spring Bazaar, Egg Hunts
April 8, 2022
Here are some Saturday events planned in the North Escambia area this weekend:
Scout Yard Sale
Troop 430, Pack 430 Scout yard sale, April 8 & 9 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 6915 Highway 29, Molino. Toys, clothing, decor, furniture, antiques, tools and much more.
Farm Share Food Distribution In Century
Farm Share food distribution, Saturday, April 9 at 8:30 a.m. at 440 East Hecker Road in Century. Walk-up and drive-thru; vehicles can begin lining up at 7:30 a.m. No eligibility requirements. Sponsored by Rep. Michelle Salzman, Century Mayor Ben Boutwell, Commissioner Steven Barry, ECUA board member Kevin Stephens and other community partners.
Barrineau Park Historical Society Spring Gathering
Barrineau Park Historical Society Spring Gathering at the Barrineau Park Community Center on Saturday, April 9 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Live music, crafts, car show, bouncy house and more. Free. Spaghetti lunches will be available for purchase. (850) 587-2829.
Flomaton Spring Bazaar
The Town of Flomaton Spring Bazaar will be April 9 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Hurricane Park, 21001 Highway 31. Food, kiddie train, bouncy houses, music and more. Easter Egg Dash with Easter Bunny at 10 a.m.
Maritime Park Easter Egg Hunt
Four Easter egg hunts will be held on April 9 at Community Maritime Park in Pensacola. 10 a.m. – Sensory-friendly Egg Hunt, ages 3-10. 11 a.m. – ages 3-4; 11:30 a.m. – ages 5-7; Noon – ages 8-10. Admission is free, but participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable items for Manna.
Have a community announcement? Email news@NorthEscambia.com with the details.
No Outside Burning: Red Flag Warning, Wind Advisory This Afternoon; Low Tonight Upper 30s
April 8, 2022
There is red flag warning in effect due to low humidity values and windy conditions. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
According to the National Weather Service, any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
A wind advisory is also in effect.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 68. West wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 69. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 42. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 76. South wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 81. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 81.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 83.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 79. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Reminder: Farm Share Food Distribution Saturday In Century
April 8, 2022
A Farm Share food distribution will take place Saturday morning in Century.
The event at 440 East Hecker Road begins at 8:30 a.m. and continues while food lasts. Vehicle line up begins no earlier than 7:30 a.m.
The food distribution will be drive-thru with a designated space for walk up participants. There are no eligibility requirements; food is available to all in need.
The event is sponsored by Rep. Michelle Salzman, Century Mayor Ben Boutwell, Commissioner Steven Barry, ECUA board member Kevin Stephens and other community partners.
File photo.
Molino Burglary Suspect Accused Of Assaulting Man With A Hammer
April 8, 2022
A Molino woman has been charged with allegedly assaulting man with a hammer when she was caught burglarizing a trailer on Cedartown Road.
Jessica Anne Lewis, 39, was charged with first degree felony burglary with assault or battery and misdemeanor trespassing after warning.
A caretaker caught Lewis inside a trailer from which she had been trespassed warned, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report. When the victim confronted Lewis, she swung a hammer at him, injuring his right index finger, the report continues.
He attempted to pin Lewis against a sofa in self defense and hold her until law enforcement arrived. Lewis broke free and fled north on Cedartown Road, the report states.
Responding deputies reported finding the hammer and an EBT card belonging to Lewis inside the trailer.
According to court records, Lewis was trespassed from the property last year. She remained in the Escambia County Jail Friday morning with bond set at $27,500
Escambia Schools Seek Input On 9th-12th Grade Reproductive Health, Disease Curriculum
April 8, 2022
Escambia County School District will be evaluating publisher provided curriculum samples of 9th-12th grade instructional materials for reproductive health and disease education.Teachers and community members are invited to review teacher and student sample materials and provide feedback through April 21.
Digital and print feedback forms will be available on the Instructional Materials Adoption website (https://ecsd-fl.schoolloop.com/IMAdoption) and the ECSD Health Education website (https://ecsd-fl.schoolloop.com/healthed), as well as during the review meetings listed below.
Community and teacher review input dates will be April 13 and April 19 from 4-6 p.m. in Room 147 at Spencer Bibbs, 2005 North 6th Avenue.
Interested persons can contact Subject Area Specialist Casandra Manis to review samples outside of the dates listed above, cmanis@ecsdfl.us or (850) 316-3962.
The Instructional Materials Evaluation Committees will meet April 21 from 4-6 pm at Spencer Bibbs, Room 147, to review committee member evaluations, as well as community and teacher input. There will be time during the meeting for public input. The committees will rank the submitted titles and submit all information to the superintendent to make a recommendation to the school board for adoption.
Tate Gets Central Florida Win; Northview Falls To Pine Forest; Northview Softball Beats Central
April 8, 2022
Tate 5, Mitchell 3
After a 400 mile road trip, the Tate Aggies defeated Mitchell High School 5-3 Thursday night in New Port Richey, Florida (near Tampa).
Josiah Glodfelter went five innings for the Aggies He allowed three runs and six hits while striking out nine. Ethan McAnally and Dalton Biggs both pitched one inning, allowing no hits and no runs.
Drew Reaves and Kirk Mosley led the Aggies at the plate. Clif Quiggin, Bray Touchstone, Frankie Randall, Jay Davis and Cade Kelly each added a hit for Tate.
Pine Forest 13, Northview 10
The Pine Forest Eagles topped the Northview Chiefs 13-10 Thursday night in Pensacola.
Cason Burkett pitched four innings for the Chiefs, giving up five runs and five hits, striking out five. Jamarkus Jefferson and Ethan Collier pitched in relief.
Kaden Odom and Josh Landis led Northview at the plate with two hits apiece. Luke Bridges, Rustin Pope, Jefferson, Collier and Trent Knighten each added one hit.
SOFTBALL
Northview 9, Central 1
The Northview Lady Chiefs defeated Central 9-1 Thursday night.
In seven innings, Emma Gilmore allowed four hits and one run while striking out 11.
Chloe Ragsdale homers for the Chiefs in the second inning.
Payton Gilchrist, Kaylin Watson, Aubrey Stuckey, Alana Roberson and Kayla Golson also added one hit each for Northview.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Escambia Man Gets Life In Prison Shooting Another Man In The Face
April 8, 2022
An Escambia County man was sentenced Thursday to life in prison for shooting another man in the face in 2019.
In February, Jamal Eric Boyer was convicted of attempted second degree murder by an Escambia County jury.
Boyer was sentenced to life under Florida’s 10-20-Life law. He also qualified as a prison release offender because he was released from prison less than seven weeks before the shooting. The life sentence must be served day-for-day as a mandatory minimum sentence.
On June 3, 2019, Jamal Boyer discharged four rounds from a .40 caliber semi-automatic firearm out of the passenger side of a black Nissan at another motor vehicle on Navy Boulevard near the intersection with Pace Boulevard. One of the shots went through the windshield to strike the victim in the face. The bullet traveled through the victim’s front teeth and tongue to become lodged in the back of his throat. He was seated in the passenger seat of the vehicle looking at his cell phone when he was struck. The victim survived after the bullet was surgically removed.
Century Man Charged With Burglary Of Vacant Home
April 7, 2022
A Century man has been charged with a recent burglary.
James Daniel Arrington, 48, was charged with felony burglary, and misdemeanor criminal mischief and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Arrington is accused of burglarizing a vacant residence on East Highway 4 in Century. After receiving a tip that Arrington was dropped off a short distance from the residence with a duffel bag, a relative of the property owner found Arrington inside the home, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report.
The report states the front door of the home was covered with a piece of tin that was removed during the burglary and a window was damaged when Arrington fled the residence.
“It should be noted that Arrington has been the suspect in several recent theft complaints in Century,” the ECSO report states.
When Arrington was arrested a few days later at his residence, a glass smoking pipe with methamphetamine residue was found in his pants pocket, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Arrington denied any involvement in the burglary, telling deputies that he was at the Atmore casino at the time.