Century Approves $1,800 To Spruce Up Santa, Considers $33K For New Christmas Decorations

June 21, 2023

The Century Town Council wants to improve their Christmas decorations.

Tuesday night, the council voted to spend up to $1,800 for new garland for a Santa Claus decoration that stands annually in the Nadine McCaw Park on North Century Boulevard.

The council is also looking to spend an estimated $33,600 for new lighted decorations for 48 utility poles along North Century Boulevard, replacing decorations that are about a decade old.

The park Santa decoration was actually donated to Century several years ago. It’s a popular part of Christmas in town, Mayor Ben Boutwell said.

“I tell you, that is a picture-taking rascal,” Boutwell told the council. “I sit on my porch, and people come there and get their pictures; they do Christmas pictures there. It’s incredible the people that show up there. I’m talking family portraits. And redoing it (the Santa) will take it to another level.”

The council is expected to discuss the utility pole Christmas decorations at an upcoming meeting.

NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

13 Responses to “Century Approves $1,800 To Spruce Up Santa, Considers $33K For New Christmas Decorations”

  1. judy on June 22nd, 2023 4:51 pm

    Can’t fix the roads. Can’t fix the bridges. Can’t afford new water meters. BUT Century can afford new lights and a new fake Santa. :(

  2. JC on June 22nd, 2023 1:14 pm

    $33,600. could be more usefull by cleaning up the drugs and shootings happening in Century. The lights and Christmas decor is nice but what good is it to have all that if it’s not safe to bring your family out to enjoy it?? Just my thoughts..

  3. Willis on June 21st, 2023 10:49 pm

    Most definitely this money could pay for the guardrail on one side of a new Bridge or maybe pave 100ft of roadway.

    But I will enjoy the improved Santa and new decorations IF approved later.
    Many local families will enjoy them also.

    And as usual the outsiders will hate on.

  4. SMW on June 21st, 2023 5:18 pm

    BRIGGS BLVD and Jefferson from Hwy 4 to BRIGGS BLVD needs paving BEFORE Christmas lights and the bridge replacement. Can we not use some common sense folks? Oh- I forgot there is NONE!!!!

  5. sam on June 21st, 2023 1:25 pm

    would like a fire hydrant near my house.

  6. George on June 21st, 2023 12:55 pm

    I like it. It helps people to be happy and shows pride in Century.
    MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE.

  7. Citizen on June 21st, 2023 11:58 am

    I’m so glad I live in Century. Yes bright new decorations on the roadway are most definitely in order.

    It is wonderful,we have funds so so many nice things in our little town.

    Celebrate the solstice.

    Many also stop at the Welcome to Florida and Century sign and take photographs.

    That park is looking good.

  8. RWA on June 21st, 2023 11:53 am

    You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig. That is a lot of money to spend for something that is used once a year. They need to look at real needs in that area and direct the money there. If Century was a well off and fiscally responsible community then maybe they could afford such.

  9. IMHO on June 21st, 2023 11:06 am

    So, they got the State, aka Florida taxpayers, to foot the bill to fix the prison water well, Freedom Rd bridge, the sewage plant and the community center, to name of few. So now they have money for Christmas decorations. Typical Century.

  10. Bob on June 21st, 2023 10:11 am

    What about the roads, bridges, water well, water meters and other infrastructure needs?

    O, that’s right, we can just wait on grants and the state of Florida to provide funds.

    Town of Century’s management style is reactionary/incompetent and not proactive.

    Shut them down – waste of taxpayers’ money!!!

  11. anne on June 21st, 2023 9:28 am

    $33,600 for decorations used for a few weeks once a year? I am sure we all have a ton of garland we could donate. Isn’t there a better use for that money? Something Century could use all year long?

  12. JJ on June 21st, 2023 8:31 am

    Isnt this the town thats broke and always looking for grants(free money)???

  13. EMD on June 21st, 2023 8:19 am

    Bah! Humbug!