PSC Approves FPL Rate Decrease Beginning With July Bills
June 14, 2023
Florida Power & Light customers could soon see a rate reduction on their electric bills due to lower than expected natural gas costs.
Tuesday, the Florida Public Service Commission approved an additional $359 million reduction to FPL’s 2023 fuel costs.
A reduction of approximately $256 million will be applied to customer bills from July to December 2023. The remaining $103 million reduction will be applied to FPL’s 2024 fuel cost recovery factors.
Beginning in July, an FPL residential customer bill in Northwest Florida for a typical 1,000 kWh usage will decrease $3.95 from $158.86 to $154.91.
“We are committed to keeping bills as low as possible for our customers,” Armando Pimentel, president and CEO of FPL, said. “With fuel prices moderating, we are pleased to pass along additional savings to our customers. We also encourage our customers to use FPL’s free tools to save energy and make their bills even lower.”
Utilities do not earn a profit on fuel charges. The fuel and capacity cost component of customers’ bills is set for each calendar year, but mid-course corrections are used when a utility’s costs increase or decrease significantly in the interim.
IP To Award $63,000 In Grants To Local Nonprofits. Here’s How To Apply.
June 14, 2023
The International Paper Pensacola Mill has announced that it will be awarding a total of $63,000 in foundation grants to non-profit organizations in 2023.
International Paper Pensacola Mill recognizes the vital role non-profit organizations play in addressing critical needs within the local communities. Through these grants, organizations will be able to fund new projects and programs that align with IP’s signature causes and have a positive impact on the lives of individuals.
To apply for these grants, non-profit organizations are invited to submit their applications until Tuesday, July 11. Interested parties can access the application form at www.ipgiving.com.
“International Paper grants are a powerful way for us to make a meaningful difference in our community,” said Whitney Fike, regional communications manager. “We are committed to supporting organizations that share our vision of creating positive change and improving the lives of individuals.”
The International Paper Foundation focuses on making sustainable investments that address critical needs in the communities where its employees live and work. Grants are awarded based on signature causes.
Signature causes include:
- Education – Programs focused on helping children succeed via a comprehensive approach to education. Priority is given to literacy programs from birth through 3rd grade.
- Hunger – Programs dedicated to improving food security throughout our communities.
- Health & Wellness – Programs that promote healthy living habits.
- Disaster Relief – Programs that help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters.
Funding also is available to address environmental initiatives (forests, water and air), employee involvement grants and other critical community needs.
Applicants must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or qualifying federal entity to apply for a grant. To be considered, organizations must have a program that addresses critical community needs and have measurable objectives to demonstrate impact.
For more information about grant guidelines, contact Fike at whitney.fike@ipaper.com or call (850) 968-3076.
Man Charged With Battery On Girlfriend After Cantonment Disturbance
June 14, 2023
An Atmore man has been charged in connection with Cantonment disturbance involving his girlfriend.
Andrew Hank Stabler, 30, was charged with battery and felony criminal mischief.
On Sunday, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance at the Circle K on Highway 29 at West Roberts Road. The victim told deputies that she became involved in an argument with Stabler, her boyfriend, at an unknown address on Frank Ard Road. She said she agreed to give him a ride to his residence off Copper Ridge Drive.
The victim said Stabler began to use his fist and head to hit the dashboard and radio in the vehicle, a 2019 Dodge Charger, before grabbing her back the neck and telling her “he was going to kill her while she was driving”, according to an arrest report.
The damage to the vehicle dash and radio was estimated at $1,500.
Stabler denied striking the victim, instead telling deputies that the victim hit him in the face, and he denied damaging the vehicle ,the report states.
When deputies contacted Stabler at his residence, he had a laceration above his right eye and on his hand near his knuckles, injuries that were “consistent with the damage that was done to the vehicle”, according to an arrest report.
Stabler was released from jail Tuesday night on a $3,000 bond.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch; Winds Up To 85 Mph, Large Hail, Tornadoes Possible
June 14, 2023
There is a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 10 p.m. These severe storms will be capable of producing destructive winds up to 85 mph, hail up to two inches in size, and a few tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms. Some storms could be severe, with heavy rain. High near 88. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Thursday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 10 mph.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Juneteenth: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.
Plan Ahead: Most Government Offices Closed Monday For Juneteenth
June 14, 2023
Most Escambia County offices and facilities and Century offices will be closed Monday in observance of the federal Juneteenth holiday.
TOWN OF CENTURY
All Town of Century offices will be closed.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
The following Escambia County offices will be closed on June 19, 2023.
Escambia County Board of County Commissioners - all departments including:
- West Florida Public Libraries (all locations)
- Escambia County Property Appraiser
- Escambia County Tax Collector
- Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare
- Escambia County Supervisor of Elections
- Escambia County Extension Office
- Waste Services Administration
- ECAT administrative offices
Open On Monday/Exceptions
- ECAT will run current weekday service Monday, June 19. UWF trolleys will not run. Regular service will resume Tuesday, June 20.
- The Clerk’s Official Records, Finance, Treasury and Clerk to the Board offices located at 221 Palafox Place will be closed. The Clerk’s Century office located at 7500 N. Century Blvd. will also be closed. All other Clerk’s offices located at the MC Blanchard Judicial Building, Theodore Bruno Juvenile Building and Public Records Center will be open.
- The Perdido Landfill will be open with regular hours Monday, June 19.
NEP 8U Softball Wins GCGSA All-Star Tournament
June 14, 2023
NEP 8U softball took first place in the GCGSA All-Star Tournament last weekend.
The NEP All Stars went 3-0 on Saturday, defeating Pace Blue 15-14, Molino 12-11 and Pace Red 10-0. On Sunday they started the day with a 9-0 loss to Navarre then beat Pace Blue 11-10 and Navarre 10-0 to force the title game. They topped Navarre 13-9 in five innings to claim the title.
Sadie Jones was named the 8U Tournament Defensive Player MVP.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Win 12-9 Over Mississippi
June 14, 2023
Cody Morissette and Dalvy Rosario created a hit-making, run-scoring tsunami Tuesday, power-surging the Blue Wahoos into a 12-9 victory against the Mississippi Braves to open their six-game series at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Morissette became the second Blue Wahoos player in less than two months this season to hit for the cycle – one of the game’s rarest feats – after it had been done just once before in franchise history.
Rosario, meanwhile, continued to wow. Playing just his fourth game for the Blue Wahoos, he went 3-for-5, including his third home run. He joined the team Friday from the Beloit Sky Carp, the Miami Marlins’ High-A affiliate, and promptly ignited his future with a walk-off homer.
The Blue Wahoos (36-22), who maintained a six-game lead against Biloxi in the Southern League division race, led 12-4 into the ninth inning, before the M-Braves got five runs off reliever Zack Leban. He recorded the final two outs.
Morissette, who went 4-for-6 with three RBI, was part of the Blue Wahoos’ season-high 18 hits. The infielder started with a run-scoring double in the third inning.
He then hit a solo homer in the fourth, tripled to lead off the sixth and spun a infield single in the seventh to get the four different hits for the cycle. Donald Lutz in 2014 was the only other Blue Wahoos player to get the feat prior to this season.
Victor Mesa Jr. hit for the cycle on April 18 against the Birmingham Barons. That game was a 10-4 loss.
This one was a middle-inning explosion for the Blue Wahoos. They scored a combined 10 runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings. Four other players had multiple hits.
With their win, the Blue Wahoos put Montgomery and Mississippi – the other two teams in the division – further back in the rear-view mirror at 8 and 8.5 games back respectively. There are now 11 games left in the first-half schedule to determine a playoff spot.
Troy Johnston began the scoring barrage with his solo homer in the first inning. He went 2-for-4 with 2 RBI. After the M-Braves took a 3-1 lead in the third inning, the Blue Wahoos responded with 11 runs in the next four innings.
Rosario, 22, a centerfielder and Dominican Republic native, hit a 2-run, 2-out homer in fourth inning to regain the lead for the Blue Wahoos and change the game. It started with Cobie Fletcher-Vance taking a high pitch on a 3-2 count to reach base.
From there, four runs ensued. After Rosario’s bomb, Nasim Nunez tripled and Morissette blasted a ball into the right center berm.
In the fifth inning, Norel Gonzalez and Will Banfield led off with singles. Griffin Conine followed with a monster blast over the batter’s eye in center field. Conine and Johnston both had RBI singles in the sixth as the lead continued to build.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Escambia Woman Charged With Setting Another Woman On Fire
June 13, 2023
An Escambia County woman has been charged with setting another woman on fire.
On June 6, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the 9000 block of Holsberry Road of Nine Mile Road in reference to an armed disturbance.
Deputies located a female victim with significant burns on her arms, neck, and back. The victim was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment.
Darneque Darshay Jones, 24, had been in an argument with the victim when Jones poured lighter fluid on the victim and lit her on fire, according to the ECSO.
Jones was arrested Monday for aggravated battery and criminal mischief. She remains in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $252,000.
NWE Little League Treasurer Now Facing 11 Felony Charges In Alabama
June 13, 2023
The former treasurer of Northwest Escambia Little League in Walnut Hill has been arrested on multiple felony charges in Alabama, days after Florida prosecutors dropped all charges for “jurisdiction reasons”.
Atmore Police have charged 48-year old Paula Star Pugh with nine counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument third degree, and one count each of theft by deception first degree, and theft by deception second degree. All of the charges are felonies.
Pugh surrendered at the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center on Tuesday and later released.
According to court documents, the Office of the State Attorney First Judicial Circuit of Florida dropped prosecution in the case for “jurisdiction reasons”. The Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office then turned their investigative files and evidence over to the Atmore Police Department late last week.
According to the ECSO, Pugh was the elected treasurer/bookkeeper since 2017 for Northwest Escambia Little League with the alleged thefts taking place from July 26, 2021, until December 9, 2022.
“During this time Pugh wrote checks on NWE’s account which she cashed for personal use, completed unauthorized debit transactions for personal use, and completed numerous ATM withdrawals for personal use,” the ECSO investigator wrote in his report, adding that Pugh had no receipt or explanation for the transactions.
According to the Florida warrant affidavit, many of the allegedly fraudulent transactions included numerous transactions on the NWE account at the First National Bank and Trust in Atmore. It is those offenses for which Atmore Police brought charges.
NWE first reported the misuse of funds to law enforcement on December 20, 2022, and an investigation was launched by the ECSO. Over the next several weeks, an ECSO investigator and ballpark officials examined the league’s financial records and built a ledger of transactions attributed to Pugh with no receipt or explanation, the report states. Deputies said the NWE board attempted at least twice to meet with Pugh and obtain receipts, but the attempts were unsuccessful.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said numerous attempts were made by phone and in person by the investigator to contact Pugh with no result, until she returned contact on March 7, 2023
Florida authorities alleged the following transactions were fraudulent, according to court documents. Pugh is not currently charged with all of these transactions.
Residential Recycling Is Back. Here’s What To Recycle (And Not).
June 13, 2023
Recycling is back for ECUA customers for the first time since it was temporarily halted back in April due to a “staff turnover”.
So that brings up the question: What can I recycle?
A list of what can, and what cannot, be recycled below. ECUA also offers the Recycle Coach app.
What Can I Place in My Recycling Can?
- Glass; any color
- Paper newspaper & Inserts
- Cardboard
- Boxboard (cereal, cake & cracker boxes, etc.)
- Plastic bottles
- Plastics No. 1 & 2
- Plastic Milk Jugs; 2-Liters
- Aluminum Cans & Lids
- Tin and Steel Cans & Lids
- Metal Pots, Pans & Cookie Sheets
- Pet food cans (no plastic liner)
What Can I NOT recycle in my can?
- Plastic bags
- Polystyrene products (Styrofoam)
- Pet food cans that have a plastic liner
- Pet food bags
- Ice cream cartons
- Waxy/paper milk cartons
- Aerosol cans
- Juice boxes or bags
- Garbage or yard waste
- Garden hoses
- Window blinds
- Tarps
- Bedding or linens
- Carpeting or rugs
- Construction materials
- Tin foil or foil baking pans
- Plastic chairs
- Residential Medical Waste
- Bubble Wrap
- Food Waste
- Propane Tanks
- Plastic or metal hangers
Bulk Recycling Available
Current customers can call ahead (850) 476-0480
- Car or truck batteries
- Tires (no commercial equipment tires)
- Limit of 5 tires
- 20 lb. propane tanks
- Large Appliances/White Goods
- Refrigerators
- Dishwashers
- Stoves
- Washers & Dryers
- Large amounts of cardboard (please empty and flatten all boxes)