Century Extends, Expands Contract For Town Management Services With South Florida Company
June 5, 2024
The Century Town Council voted Tuesday night to extend and expand a contract with a South Florida company to manage many of the town’s operations.
In December 2023, the town accepted the city manager proposal after newly appointed Century interim Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. told the council that he would need help to properly run the town.
“I know that I am in over my head, but I don’t want the town of Century to suffer due to my lack of experience in this position,” Gomez told his town council a few minutes after he was sworn in in late August.
In December, the town contracted with contract with Local Government Consulting Group (LGCG) of West Palm Beach for up to six months for $7,500 per month.
Under a contract amendment approved Tuesday night, the rate for LGCG will increase to $8,000 per month for town manager services for six months. The town will pay an additional $3,000 per month for grant writing services and $175 per hour for Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Consulting Services.
LGCG will also service as “Coordinator of Ongoing Projects Services” for $40 per hour.
LGCG representatives Howard W. Brown Jr., Erin Connelly, and Cheryl Harrison-Lee will provide the various services.
The contract amendment will extend the original agreement for an additional six months from the expiration of the original contract term on June 13, 2024. The town plans to pay for the services from America Rescue Plan funding and their CRA fund.
Florida Approves NIL Deals For High School Student Athletes
June 5, 2024
Florida is now the 31st state to allow high school student-athletes to make money from their name, image, and likeness.
The Florida High School Athletic Association on Tuesday approved NIL agreements effective with the next school years, pending ratification by the State Board of Education on July 24.
A student-athlete may profit from the use of their own NIL. Permissible activities include, but are not limited to, commercial endorsements, promotional activities, social media presence, product, or service advertisements.
A NIL agreement is limited to the athlete’s high school period of athletic eligibility and will not extend beyond graduation. They will not be allowed to use uniforms, logos, or mascots from their school. They cannot endorse or promote anything during school or district sponsored events and can’t reference their school accolades or championships. Politics and adult entertainment products and services are off-limits.
Schools will be able to use NIL activities to recruit, and transfer students will be prohibited in most cases from entering into a NIL agreement during their transfer season.
Pictured: The Tate Aggies host the West Florida Jaguars on October 6, 2023. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Approaches 40 Miles Of District 5 Dirt Roads Paved In Just Over Decade
June 5, 2024
With the recent approval to pave two additional roads, Escambia County’s dirt road paving projects in District 5 are approaching near 40 miles of roadway in just over a decade, representing about a $15.9 million investment into improving roadway connectivity and infrastructure.
The projects are in addition to numerous capital improvement projects completed in District 5, including sidewalks, bridges, road resurfacing and drainage improvements.
“Enhancing our infrastructure for residents of District 5 continues to be a high priority for Escambia County, and these numbers are a testament to that,” District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said. “While many of us enjoy a more rural lifestyle in District 5, it is imperative that we also provide roadways that connect our communities and allow for safer transportation. I’d like to thank staff for their hard work to complete these important projects, and I look forward to continuing to make improvements throughout District 5.”
The county is approaching a 40 mile dirt road paving total since 2012 in District 5 with the recent approval of a roadway and drainage system on Four Star Farm Road and with pavin a section a Rockey Branch Road and realigning the roadway with a previously paved portion of Rockey Branch Road. Four Star Farm Road is expected to be completed in April 2025, and Rockey Branch Road is expected to be completed in August 2025.
The projects are managed by the Escambia County Engineering Department. The Four Star Farms project contract was awarded to Site and Utility, LLC for $1,076,908.75. The Rockey Branch Road $781,081.21 project was awarded to Roads Inc. of NWF.
Below are the dirt roads paved in District 5, according to Escambia County, since 2012.
DRP=”Dirt Road Paving” project
Constructed:
- Brickyard Road DRP
- Bratt Road DRP Phase 1
- Brickyard Road Phase 2A
- Brickyard Road Phase 2B
- Bratt Road DRP Phase 2
- Eastman Lane
- Barrineau Park Road DRP
- Campbell Road, Carnley Road, Sprow Road, Hagan Road, Boat Ramp Road, Old Ferry Road and Flossie
- Road DRP
- Enon School Road DRP
- Lambert Bridge Road DRP
- Hicks Street DRP
- O.C. Phillips DRP
- Luth Road DRP
- Becks Lake DRP
- Caro St DRP
- Greenland Road DRP
- Cecils DRP
- Macks Road DRP
- Crary DRP
- Morton DRP
- Bradberry DRP
- Miller Road DRP Phase I
- Killam Road DRP
- Thompson, McNeal DRP
- Cotton Lake DRP
- Camp Road DRP
- Hall Road DRP
- Water Tank DRP
- Lambert Bridge Road DRP Phase II
- Blueberry Lane DRP
- Ashcraft Road
- Whirlpool Road
- Siglar Road
- Pine Barren Church DRP
- Salter’s Lake Rd
Pre-construction:
- Four Star Farms Road
- Rockey Branch Road
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Marlin “Bama” Bolt
June 5, 2024
Marlin “Bama” Bolt, 81, of Cantonment, Florida, passed away June 3, 2024. He was born in Wedowee, Alabama on December 23, 1942 to Earlie and Odessa Bolt. Bama had a career in welding for CCSI Mechanical Contractor. Bama had a passion for motorcycles, family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earlie and Odessa Bolt; spouse, JoAnn Daniel Bolt; and grandson, Cody Harlan.
He is survived by his daughters, Leah Harlan, Beth (Kevin) Owen, and Tabitha (Wesley) Hughes; grandchildren, Dustin Harlan, Baylee and Bradley Owen, Danielle and Sierra Nolen, Kaydence Wood, and Logan Hughes; seven great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be at a later date.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Carolyn B. Morris
June 5, 2024
Carolyn B. Morris, age 91, of Atmore, AL passed away on June 4, 2024 in Bay Minette, AL. She was born on March 28, 1933 in Birmingham, AL to Clarence Busenlehner and Kathryne Eckhoff Busenlehner. She was the owner of Word of God Book Store. She participated in prison ministry and volunteered as a Pink Lady at Atmore Community Hospital. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Elbert (Eb) Morris and her siblings, Gloria Smith and Joyce Bolden.
She is survived by her children, Cathy (Matt) Bowman, Tom (Susan) Morris, and Tracy Morris; her grandchildren, David Mock, Dominic (Brenda) Mock, Tracy (Travis) Paul, Christopher (Aseni) Morris, Alexandra Morris, Logan Morris, Danielle Morris, Theresa Mock and Amber Mock; her great grandchildren, Kelton Wooten, Brandy Wooten, Clover Shook, and Harper Morris; her great-great grandchildren, Knox Ramer and Josie Belle Wooten; her siblings, Johnny (Susan) Busenlehner, Walter (Cottie) Busenlehner and Buddy Busenlehner.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, June 9, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Fred Brummet and Bro. Timothy Wetzel officiating. Interment will follow in Mothershed Cemetery in Atmore, AL.
Active pallbearers will be David Mock, Dominic Mock, Kelton Wooten, Logan Morris and Christopher Morris.
Visitation will be held Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Jonathan Auton
June 5, 2024
Jonathan Auton, 46, of Pensacola, Florida passed away June 1, 2024. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama on July 20, 1977 to Charles Auton. He was married to Tina Rutland Auton for 27 years. Jonathan worked as an auto mechanic and had a passion for cars, family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Tina Auton; son, Jonathan T. Auton; daughter, Shelby M. Auton; father, Charles Auton; brothers, Brandon Young and Alix Auton; mother-in-law, Linda Rutland.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Bobby J. Tedder, Sr.
June 5, 2024
Bobby J. Tedder, Sr., a beloved Father, Grandfather, and Brother passed away peacefully on May 31, 2024 at the age of 81 surrounded by people who loved him.
Bobby was born in Century, Fl on May 2, 1943. He graduated from Century High School in 1961. He signed his papers for the Air Force before he could be drafted for the Army. Growing up near Pensacola, FL, he loved watching the Blue Angels. During his 4 years in the US. Air Force, he learned how to work on aircrafts while stationed in Germany, Turkey and eventually Laredo, Tx, where he met Sally. They were married for 58 years, until her death last year.
Bobby attended San Jacinto College and earned a degree in Electrical Technology. The story goes that he took 6 years to get his 2-year degree. He stressed the importance of education to his kids and grandkids. He knew its value since he worked so hard to get his while having a job and a family.
He spent many years working for NASA/Northrop-Grumman at Ellington Airforce Base. While working for NASA, he worked on maintaining the T38 jets, which the US Astronauts used to log flight hours. On one occasion, an Astronaut flew Bobby to Cape Canaveral to repair one of their jets. After he left NASA, he was employed at HL&P – South Texas Nuclear project, during its construction. After the power plant went online, he worked as a QA/QC manager for a number of years. Later in his career, he worked for Wyman Gorman where he retired.
As you may imagine, Bobby was very technically and mechanically savvy. He was the first dad that we knew of that embraced technology. He had a home computer in the 80’s – everything ran on big floppy disks. He was teaching his daughter DOS before she knew what it was called. He was the only 70+ yr old who understood the basics of how PC’s worked and passed that love of technology on to his daughter. He was the family mechanic as well. He could change the oil, the brakes….any of the family’s car issues, because that’s what he did.
Bobby loved being in the outdoors… Camping, hunting and fishing was something his kids grew up experiencing. Countless summer camping trips with family and friends. Many of them were to New Braunfels, where we would float down the river and sit around the camp fire. One Summer vacation, he towed an RV down to Key West. Stopping at camp sites along the way. Fishing trips whenever possible or hunting trips whenever the opportunity came up. Simply put, he loved the outdoors.
Bobby loved to smoke some BBQ. A love he shared with his sons. Bobby and Sally had so many parties in their home. Any excuse to celebrate, Bobby was cooking on the pit while Sally was cooking in the kitchen. They loved to feed family and friends.
Dad loved his lake house, after all, it was his retirement dream. He loved sitting on the back deck looking out at the water. He could spend all day just watching the boats going by and planning his next fishing trip. No doubt, this was his Happy place.
Bobby and Sally were married for 58 years. We know Sally met Bobby on his final journey. They are surely two stepping all over heaven. Preceded in death by: his wife, Araceli (Sally) Tedder, his father, Elmer Tedder, and his mother, Lucille Carnley Tedder.
He will be deeply missed by his children, Bobby J. Tedder, Jr [Amy Tedder], Denise L. Sanders [Timothy Sanders], Brian J. Tedder. Grandchildren: Shelby, Blaise, Tyler, Brian Jr., Gaby, Payton, Zachary, Nick, Krista. Brothers: Ralph Tedder, Rex Tedder and Ronnie Tedder. Along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Dad, you will always be in our hearts and we will never forget you. We love you so much. We’ve got it from here. Rest in peace.
In Lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider donating to your favorite charity in his name. E.g. American heart association, American cancer society, your local VFW or American Legion Hall or Tunnel to Towers foundation to support your local veterans.
Blue Wahoos’ Eighth-Inning Lead Evaporates In 6-3 Loss To M-Braves
June 5, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
First pitches quickly became outs. Innings flew by in minutes. There was still sunlight during the seventh-inning stretch.
And then, the Blue Wahoos had a potential record-speed win fade into darkness of a laborious eighth inning and loss.
The Mississippi Braves followed a leadoff out into a six-run rally for an eventual 6-3 victory against the Blue Wahoos to start an intriguing Tuesday night of their six-game series at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The Blue Wahoos led 1-0 into the eighth inning.
This game on “Doggone Tuesday” with fans bringing their beloved dogs to the ballpark, featured a repurposed, veteran Major League infielder David Fletcher continuing his bizarre buzz in the baseball world as a knuckleball pitcher.
Making his M-Braves debut, his second minor league start, Fletcher raised attention by throwing six, solid innings with his fluttering, 60-something, miles-per-hour knucklers. He allowed just two hits, both in the first inning, as the Blue Wahoos couldn’t get solid contact with his pitches.
Fletcher was recently acquired in a December trade with the Atlanta Braves. When joining the Braves, Fletcher mentioned his desire to become a knuckleball pitcher.
He is being paid $6.1 million this season, part of a $25 million contract extension he signed with the Angels following his best MLB season in 2020 when he garnered American League MVP votes as a second baseman.
Fletcher, who turned 30 on May 31, made his first mound start last week with the Gwinnett Braves, the Atlanta Braves’ Triple-A affiliate. He is scheduled to start twice this week in Pensacola with the M-Braves. He’s down to be the starter on Sunday to close out the series.
In the first inning, Fletcher’s flutterers were hit the hardest. Blue Wahoos catcher Joe Mack hit a one-out double and Nathan Martorella followed with an RBI single. Zach Zubia flew out deep to left for the second out and from that point, Fletcher retired 11 of the next 13 batters he faced.
Meanwhile, Blue Wahoos starter Jonathan Bermúdez dazzled with a no-hitter through five innings. He gave up an infield single in the sixth, then pitched out of a two-on, one-out jam to match his longest start this season.
But in the eighth inning against reliever Patrick Murphy, the M-Braves batted around the order following a leadoff strikeout. The next six batters reached base – four of those on hits – as the Blue Wahoos’ 1-0 lead became a five-run deficit. The rally earned a second win for former Pensacola State College pitcher Patrick Halligan, who threw a scoreless seventh inning.
The Blue Wahoos got a pair of runs back in the eighth and had two more runners on base when the M-Braves’ bullpen ended the threat.
The Blue Wahoos (27-24) will have Luis Palacios start Wednesday’s second game of the series against M-Braves ace and rising prospect Ian Mejia (5-0, 1.45 ERA) who tossed a seven-inning, no-hitter win earlier this season.
GAME NOTABLES
— Recent UWF graduate Tris Weeks sung the National Anthem while playing her guitar as she continues pursuit of her musical career.
— The Blue Wahoos had a 20-0 success rate when leading in the seventh inning before Tuesday’s loss.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Mississippi Braves vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Wednesday, 6:05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
Ascension Has Restored Much Of Its Patient Tech After ‘Cybersecurity Incident’
June 4, 2024
Ascension Healthcare and Ascension Sacred Heart have restored much of its patient documentation technology following a May cyberattack.
Tuesday an Ascension spokesperson said:
“Ascension Sacred Heart has restored the primary technology used for electronic patient documentation in care settings. This will allow most hospital departments, physician offices and clinics to use electronic documentation, charting, and ordering systems. Patients should see improved efficiencies and wait times. Our team continues to work tirelessly to restore other ancillary technology systems.”
In the days following the attack, Ascension reported unavailability of their electronic health records system, MyChart (which enables patients to view their medical records and communicate with their providers), some phone systems, and various systems utilized to order certain tests, procedures, and medications.
In the early hours of the intrusion, Ascension was diverting ambulances and patients to other hospitals.
The hospital system engaged Mandiant, a third-party expert, to assist in the investigation and remediation process, and we have notified the appropriate authorities. They were working to fully investigate what information, if any, may have been affected by the situation. They planned to notify and support those individuals in accordance with all relevant regulatory and legal guidelines.
Boil Water Notice Issued For Cottage Hill Water Works Customers On Cedar Tree Lane
June 4, 2024
The June 4, 2024 “PRECAUTIONARY BOIL WATER NOTICE” for Cedar Tree Ln, andCedar Park Dr, is hereby rescinded following the satisfactory completion of the bacteriological survey showing that the water is safe to drink.
A precautionary boil water notice has been issued for Cottage Hill Water Works customers on Cedar Tree Lane.
System upgrades continue on Cedar Tree Lane and resulted in a disruption of water service Tuesday. The area affected includes all residents and meters located on Cedar Tree Lane from Cedar Point Road to Highway 29.
The utility is advising, as a precaution, that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes be boiled. A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient. As an alternative bottled water may be used.
This precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected and a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink.
This story will be updated with the boil water notice is rescinded.