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Century Fails To Provide Complete Public Notices For Six Months, Council President Verbally Attacks Media After Meeting Halted
July 6, 2023
The Century Town Council president continued discussion outside a meeting and verbal attacks on a member of the media Wednesday night after a council meeting was halted due to the town’s failure to provide a proper public notice. The meeting was the latest in an ongoing pattern of failure to provide complete meeting notices as required in Florida, NorthEscambia.com has documented over the last six months.
As almost always occurs, the council meeting opened Wednesday evening with Council President Luis Gomez, Jr. asking if the meeting was properly advertised and Town Clerk Leslie Howington acknowledging that it was.
A standard notice for the entire year, posted on a bulletin board outside town hall and at other locations in Century, provides meeting dates but not times leaving the public in the dark as to when meetings are actually happening.
Beginning with meetings in February 2023, a standard notice for regular meetings and bill review meetings has been posted on a bulletin board outside town hall providing dates but no times. Sometimes an adjacent notice was posted with times, but those notices repeatedly had meeting dates listed as being in 2022, making the notice appear outdated. (A list is further below.)
After a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance Wednesday night, Gomez opened a public forum. NorthEscambia.com Publisher William Reynolds questioned where the meeting was “properly” advertised.
Howington explained it was posted at town hall and on the town’s website. But the posted notice at town hall had no time listed, as has been common for this year.
“We do have our traditions,” Howington said.
But Florida’s attorney general says every meeting, each and every one, must be noticed with date, time and place — “Notice is required even though meetings of the board are “of general knowledge” and are not conducted in a closed door manner”.
The Florida Attorney General’s “2023 Government in the Sunshine Manual” states that:
- “The notice should contain the time and place of the meeting and, if available, an agenda, or if no agenda is available, a statement of the general subject matter to be considered.
- “The notice should be prominently displayed in the area in the agency’s offices set aside for that purpose, e.g., for cities, in city hall, and on the agency’s website, if there is one.”
“So that we are not before the ethics board, we are going to follow the law,” Howington said, advising the council to terminate the meeting. “This is not following the spirit of the Sunshine (Law); this is following the letter of the Sunshine.”
“Well my vote is go on with the meeting because I am here,” Gomez began, with Howington stopping him to again advise that it was her recommendation to not continue.
Gomez replied, “This town’s business has to go on forward. Unfortunately one person that comes to destroy and disrupt. I’m up to my wits end because I’ve got something to say whether we adjourn this meeting or not.”
“No, no, no,” Howington again tried to silence Gomez. “This meeting is not called to order,” she said, saying that the missing time was her mistake.
“At this point, we have a decision to make, whether or not this meeting…,” council vice president Dynette Lewis said, joining the discussion before being stopped by Howington.
“I’m sorry but I’m sick of this,” Gomez said, continuing to speak with the remainder of the council still in the room.
“There’s something got to be done about you,” Gomez said to the NorthEscambia.com publisher. Howington continued to try to silence him from speaking since there was no meeting.
“Mr. Gomez, I just asked us to cancel the fact that this meeting was called to order and bid adieu for the evening,” the town clerk said. “I’m sorry this is my responsibility.”
Gomez responded, “That don’t change nothing.”
“Once again we are not getting anywhere,” Lewis said.
“Meeting adjourned,” Gomez said after a pause. Then he continued comments from his chair at the council table.
“Yeah, thanks William,” Gomez said to the newspaper publisher. “But I guarantee you this one…” The clerk again tried to silence him from speaking outside the meeting.
“I can say what I want to say,” Gomez said. “As long as he sits there in front of me this ain’t got anything to do with anybody else in the room. You don’t do any other town hall the way that you do the Town of Century, and you are going to stop doing Century. Go to Flomaton, go to Jay and sit up in there and disrupt.”
“You don’t pull that stuff nowhere but in here because you figure you can get away with it. But this is going to stop. I am going to shut you down first.”
Gomez was asked if he was making a threat.
“No, I’m not threatening you, but I’m going to shut you down, because it’s what you do…and you do it on purpose. I had something for you anyway tonight….It’s just plain stupid.”
When another council member asked the schedule for the next meeting, Gomez said. “Whenever I feel like (inaudible) because I made it tonight on time. So I’m not going to change to try to appease this idiot. And that’s perfect, I said that out of my mouth.”
Again, the clerk attempted to stop the conversation outside the meeting.
“I’m going because he got what he wanted. It’s not my fault. It’s nobody in this town’s fault but this idiot. This idiot wants to keep something going to make his clicks go up. Click that. Yeah, record and put me on Facebook too. I don’t really care, because that’s all your paper is, is a Facebook blog, Willy….It makes my ass hurt.”
“I ain’t got nothing else to say to you. Talk to your momma…makes my ass hurt,” Gomez continued as he walked out of council chambers.
NorthEscambia.com does not cover the town governments in Flomaton or Jay on a regular basis because they are outside our North Escambia coverage area. We do cover multiple other governmental entities in our coverage area, including Escambia County and its numerous boards, the school board and ECUA.
“The other governmental entities in Escambia County work hard to follow state law, commonly called the Sunshine Law, and it would be a very, very rare occurrence that we would need to represent the public’s interest and call a governmental entity out on a public notice. For over 15 years, we have been committed to our duty as the press to ensure that local government is accountable to the people,” Reynolds said in a statement shortly after the meeting. “Proper notices to ensure citizens can attend public meetings is a most elementary and basic requirement of Florida law.”
In recent years, NorthEscambia.com has found and raised just one Sunshine Law issue with a county board. In April 2021, we questioned a West Florida Public Libraries Board of Governance meeting that was advertised for the library in downtown Pensacola but actually convened in Century. The board continued the meeting for a few minutes after NorthEscambia.com raised the issue.
Escambia County responded by self-reporting a Sunshine Law violation to the State Attorney’s Office, which declined to prosecute what they called “an apparent violation”. Violations of the Sunshine Law in Florida can be criminal offenses. Additionally, the county attorney’s office provided a Sunshine Law refresher for board members.
2023 MEETING NOTICES
NorthEscambia.com has documented over the last six months that the Town of Century posted the following council meeting notices outside the town hall. We found clear meeting times have not been provided since January.
- January 2 & 17 — a notice was published with correct dates and times
- February 7 & 21 - — a single notice indicated meeting dates in 2022
- March 7 — no time given
- March 21 — no time given (there was a notice above that indicated the time on meetings, but it was dated 2022)
- April 4 — no time given (there was a notice above that indicated the time on meetings, but it was dated 2022)
- April 18 no time given (there was a notice above that indicated the time on meetings, but it was dated 2022)
- May 2 — no time given
- May 16 — unknown (our regular reporter did not attend and take a photo of the bulletin board)
- June 6 — no time given
- June 20 — no photo taken, but a notice without times was distributed on paper
- July 5 — no time given
On June 22 an “Amended 2023 Calendar of Meetings” was distributed by email to council members, staff and the media. The notice did not list any meeting times.
Howington told council members as they were leaving town hall that Wednesday night’s meeting time was on the town’s website.
Under a banner (pictured below from Wednesday night) at the top of the town website that provides old notices that the town hall will be closed January 2, 2023, a special election will be held March 28, 2023, and other outdated notices, the website does indicate that a meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, July 5, 2023. It states “Council Meeting – 7:00 p.m….Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month”.
Comments
46 Responses to “Century Fails To Provide Complete Public Notices For Six Months, Council President Verbally Attacks Media After Meeting Halted”
Has Flomaton expressed any interest in annexing Century?
“many times the reporting is done in a negative way and appears to be an attempt to display the town in an unfavorable tone”
So what’s the positive way to report the town broke the law for six months and the clerk (responsible for the notices) failed to do her job?
North Escambia runs many positive stories about Century and the surrounding areas. But yeah there are bunch of negatives, but the town brings it on themselves.
REGARDING:
“DHG I didn’t realize Mr. Boutwell, the Mayor , was mentioned.
Mr.Gomez, Council President, seemed to be the person upset.”
Good point. I was wrong. Thanks for straightening me out.
David for the truth
I do agree with Mr. Gomez on some of his accusations concerning the reporting of town business. Yes, many times the reporting is done in a negative way and appears to be an attempt to display the town in an unfavorable tone. There are problems with the town and with the way it is run. Many of the issues plaquing the town are reported on by North Escambia, and rightfully so. People in the town need to know what is going on at city hall. I would like to thank Mr. Gomez for his rant. He let the the readers know that North Escambia is right. Mr. Gomez, your unprofessionalism was just the fodder North Escambia needed to defend their reporting. I grew up in the Century area, not in Century proper but my mailing address is Century Florida, so it grieves me to see the town of Century constantly portrayed as a quagmire of incompetence. There are a lot of fine people that live in the area and have Century as their mailing address. So, when an individual like Mr. Gomez goes on a rant and displays a total lake of respect, and decorum for the law, it is a reflection on the entire community, and the people who live here. Mr. Gomez, you were out of control, out of order, and you embarrassed all the good people who live in the Century area. You owe this town and surrounding communities, with Century mailing addresses, an apology. Of course, that may never happen because it takes a big man to admit he is wrong.
I agree with Judy, keep exposing the incompetence of this so called cirty government. Or sorry excuse for one. Sad.
DHG I didn’t realize Mr. Boutwell, the Mayor , was mentioned.
Mr.Gomez, Council President, seemed to be the person upset.
Total Incompetence in a city that thirst for leadership! How hard is it to simply post times of a meeting? Getting angry because YOU can’t follow simple rules of procedure is simply ridiculous! Thanks William!
Keep up the good work, Northescambia! SOMEBODY has to do something to keep these pompous, ignorant people in line. Mr. Gomez has a problem knowing the law, and following the law, and gets angry when called out on his ignorance!
You can’t make this stuff up.
1. Motion to authorize referendum to disincorporate the Town of Century.
2. Motion seconded.
3. Discussion
4. Vote by at least 3 to 2 to pass motion
5. Contact Supervisor of Elections
6. Place on the ballot
7. Residents Vote (FOR DISINCORPORATION)
County takes over all services.
The end, and a different beginning.
The mayor was made aware he was about to do something illegal.
He verbally attacked the one who tried to straighten it out and to ignore the law.
The former President was made aware he had already and was about to do something illegal.
He verbally attacked the ones who tried to straighten it out and to ignore the law.
Being mayor of Century could lead to higher office if he can learn to claim to be America’s only savior like the other guy does.
David for better people
Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Mr. Gomez, you should know better!!
The State Attorney’s Office is prosecuting three members of the Century Town Council for alleged violations of the Sunshine Law. Bill Eddins says they are being charged with noncriminal violations for discussing or exchanging information with other council members this past July on matters that were likely to come before the town council. Sandra McMurray Jackson, Ann Cofield Brooks, and Luis Gomez, Jr., are due in court on January 24th. If found guilty, each faces a civil fine of up to $500. Eddins also announcing a Grand Jury will be convened to review various matters regarding the operations and management of the Town of Century.
Do you suppose if everyone in town received a call about the meeting, maybe 2 would show up. No Interest.
But Mr. Gomez , North Escambia didn’t print anything that didn’t happen did they ?
I’ve read several articles that showed Century in a positive light. Even yourself a time or two.
Sound like a zoo up there in the north end.
Anybody remember that cartoon “There Oughta Be a Law?” Well, since everybody reading this has internet access, maybe there oughta be a live video broadcast of all our little town meetings. Betcha my grandson could put it right on the town website. — DMW
Mr. Idiot
Please help us remove this dictating moron(gomez)
Thanks.
Change today,tomorrrow is too late!
Inappropriate behavior for someone elected to hold public office. His ignorance was certainly on display by the way it sounds and Mr. Gomez should be embarrassed by his childish actions. A public apology should be quick coming along with his resignation. Then, repercussions for violating the Sunshine Law. He seems to believe he is above reproach and should be proven wrong. Thanks to Mr. Reynolds for his reporting the happenings of last evening.
Mr. Gomez, you make the news and Mr. Reynolds publishes it! Its that simple and you sir are a disgrace to this State, County & Town
So here we are letting someone who is not even from century make us look bad. Mr Gomez this is sad of you how do you possibly not have enough maturity to shut your mouth. Me personally I think the whole council should be fired every ad this year has been very sad everyone is about money. And the mayor is pathetic because he’s sitting back while these people making a butthole out of century how can we vote everyone and send them on strike.
Keep up the good work, William and watch your back!
From what I’ve read Mr. Gomez doesn’t appear to be qualified for his position either by education, training or temperament. Perhaps a change is in order.
“Century Fails”……
First 2 words of article tells the truth and applies to the City government.
“How did North Escambia know what time to attend the meeting?”
We know the meetings are (almost) always at 7:00. And we are emailed an agenda a few days in advance that has the time. But the public has not access to that agenda.
Consider that the Florida Attorney General says “Notice is required even though meetings of the board are “of general knowledge” and are not conducted in a closed door manner”.
Meaning, it does not matter if we know, you know, everyone in town knows, as “general knowledge” that the meeting is at 7:00. The date, time, place notice is still required for EVERY meeting. And noticing current meetings with last year’s date does not count.
If you are new to Century, just passing through, or are otherwise uninformed of the “general knowledge” that the meetings are generally at 7:00, the Sunshine Manual says you need to be able to have notice that tells you what time the meeting is.
How did North Escambia know what time to attend the meeting?
Sure would be a lot “neater” to just abolish Century. Town residents could start a petition and present it to State Representative Salzman. Several hundred signatures might be enough. She would ask Commissioner Barry if the county was capable of taking care of the Century area if the town were abolished. Should be easy. She could propose a special act to let the people of Century vote in November 2024 to abolish the town. Another way would be for any three council members to vote to adopt an ordinance to abolish the town. If it passed, it would go to voters for approval or rejection. One benefit of holding the vote as a stand-alone referendum is that it could be done using the vote-by-mail method ideally increasing voter turnout. If a referendum is held on the same date that elected officials are elected, the referendum cannot be held using the vote-by-mail method though individual voters can vote by mail though often those ballots are very long. Does Century have a Town Attorney and Town Clerk? If so, what do they do? Also, all of the town’s elected officials to include the Mayor should know better too. By the way, Section 100.361, Florida Statutes, provides a state law method to remove “council” members from office. Might be worth trying. The town’s website is beyond useless with no meeting agendas or meeting minutes. Is that even legal? By the way, is it legal for elected officials (Gomez, McMurray-Jackson) to use a private e-mail address as their official town e-mail address? Three elected officials don’t even have telephone numbers. Do they even own a cell phone?
You people that voted them into office are just as much to blame for what happens in Century.
William, file a police report and make his threats forever exist in official records. It sounds like he has something illicit planned for you and your newspaper
William, you just can’t stay out of trouble, can you. It’s good to know you’re on our team.
Mr. Gomez is the epitome of today’s politicians from town halls to the U.S. senate. Arrogance, condescension and blindness towards their constituents. He wants you and I to follow the law, but she’s no reason why he has to.
North Escambia is reporting what is happening, if they’re reporting what appears to be negative it’s what was presented before them.
Straighten up Century! Use this as a learning experience and move on.
Mr. Gomez, take a copy of the Sunshine meeting rules home and study them, wouldn’t hurt to pick up a copy of “Roberts rules of order” too.
This is a comedy of errors and shouldn’t be happening.
I might be wrong but it seems like the Century Town Council members have primary jobs and these are their “Second jobs” so there’s just a fleeting interest in them.
The town probably doesn’t have the funds to support full time paid positions but if they did and with the right people, the town would flourish.
Unexceptable.
Time for the citizens of Century to exercise their authority and file a recall petition. Also, a report should be made to the Florida Ethics Commission and a separate report to the States Attorney.
Let the state fire all in the Century payroll and put the state top 5 white collar convicts as their council members and blue collar convicts in the city offices.
At least amount of corruption in Century would go down!
Gomez should have never said another word when the Clerk tried to tell him to not say anything else. The clerk again tried to silence him from speaking outside the meeting a few more times but Gomez just kept running off the mouth. He should have listen. And his ugly talking wasn’t called for.Shame on Gomez.
Luis Gomez, Jr If you can’t handle your position good sir step down. You can not silence the press sir, this isn’t NY or California or some Leftist-run state. You do not control the media, sir. Century falls into North Escambia coverage, Not Jay, Not Flomaton, Escambia County FLORIDA good sir. The ONLY reason other articles are from surrounding areas is that it is newsworthy, not a Jay meeting. that has nothing to do with NE.
Don’t get mad because you got called out for breaking the Sunshine Law, yes Century Council breaking the law yet again! Your council is the reason William keeps going to the meetings because YOU ARE THE NEWS, your little tantrum just illustrates it. You better go to church Sunday and pray sir, get that hate and anger out of your heart and do your job properly or resign.
Thanks, Mr. Reynolds, for holding their feet to the fire.
Perhaps Mr. Gomez should resign as council president if he doesn’t realize what cities are in North Escambia County. There is just the one. I believe Mr. Reynolds is performing a great service to the people in the north end of the county.
@SW – Been saying that now for years. What services and representation are the citizens of Century getting that require a chartered city. There are none. Why the State does not pay more attention and investigate is beyond me.
the town is judged by how it takes care of the people who live in it. i’m thinking the will is there, but how to go about it is the question.
Gomez is right. North Escambia is attending the meetings to disrupt, interrupt and intercede… for the people! Florida law has clearly and purposely been violated on a regular basis. Kudos to North Escambia for being the newspaper that still stands for the people. Real journalism will defeat the evil at work in Century. Time for Gomez and the town clerk to go.
One Debacle after another Century is a failed town. Shut down and move on.
I noticed that the header of their stationary is a locomotive. They should change the image to a derailed train or just a train accident.
Remember Town of Century…”a broken clock is right twice a day”.
A textbook example of government failing the people.
William keep up the good work!!!
A radio host and city council member from Evergreen was charged criminally for saying far less than what the Gomez rant entailed and his charges appeared to be a political hit..
Yet Government officials threatening journalists or private citizens should be alarming to all residents. Unfortunately some might say Gomez appears unfit for office and one must question whether his qualifications put him on the council or some other reason led To his election.
Inept. Uncaring. Unwilling to get in order.
Century is a failed town. The state should pull the charter.
Careful, William, strange things have happened to people who challenge the Town and it’s politicians.
Thank you for holding Gomez accountable. We’re it not for you there’s no telling what would happen in these illegal meetings.
Real journalism and reporting is still alive.
Simple things for proper notice in accordance with the law continue to elude the town’s clerk and council members. Gomez should check his mouth at the door, and prepare himself for a court date in the near future. That’s if the state’s attorney office will now perform its duty.