ECUA Smoke Testing This Week In 10 Mile Road Area
September 3, 2019
ECUA crews will be smoke testing the sewer system this week in an area north and south of West 10 Mile Road just west of Highway 29.
Testing will be conducted from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the following areas on Sept. 3, 4, and 5:
- Horsemens Path
- Eagle Terr.
- Eagle St.
- Southern Oaks Dr.
- Deer Ridge Rd.
- 1200 block of W. Ten Mile Rd.
- 10300 & 10200 blocks of Cove Ave.
- Calderwood Ct.
- Evening Falls Dr.
White smoke will be circulated into the sewer lines and manholes to locate broken pipes and other defects, and will exit from vent pipes on home roofs. The smoke is non-toxic, leaves no residue, and creates no fire hazard. The smoke will not enter the house unless there is defective plumbing present or the drain traps are dry. If potential problems are found on private property, residents will be notified of repairs that may need to be made.
Smoke testing is expected to take three days, although the schedule may be modified as weather dictates. For more information, customers may call ECUA Customer Service at (850) 476-0480.
Florida Gas Prices Hold Steady Despite Dorian
September 3, 2019
Florida gas prices have held relatively steady since a state of emergency was declared on Thursday. Since that time, Florida gas prices have averaged $2.44 per gallon. However, drivers likely noticed a 7 cent bump earlier in the week – before the state of emergency – which was likely due to retailers’ expectations of higher demand for the Labor Day holiday.
In Escambia County, the average price per gallon Monday night was $2.38. At least three Cantonment stations were below the local average Monday night at $2.29.
Labor Day gas prices did end up being the lowest for the holiday since 2016. Florida drivers are paying 36 cents per gallon less than last year’s holiday, which amounts to a savings of nearly $5.50 for a full tank of gasoline.
Labor Day marked the unofficial end of the summer travel season. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, summertime gas prices in Florida averaged $2.54 per gallon – 23 cents per gallon less than last summer. The primary cause for lower prices at the pump this summer were lower crude oil prices, driven strong US production and concerns that global demand cannot keep pace.
Escambia County Pilot Program Provides Wheelchair Ramp Help
September 2, 2019
An Escambia County pilot program is providing wheelchair ramps to needy residents.
The county provides funding for supplies and materials in partnership with not for profit agencies who install the ramps using volunteers.
So far, there have been seven ramps constructed in Escambia County, with two of those in District 5.
At 52 feet long, it took about $1,000 in materials to construct a ramp on Lewis Street in Cantonment. But a small ramp on Chemstrand Road was only about $100 because much of the wood used was leftover from a previous project.
“Volunteers do all the work, and the county pays for the materials,” Escambia County Neighborhood Enterprise Manager Meredith Reeves said. “It makes for a really good program that is helping people.”
The participating agencies received a grant earlier this year to provide volunteer labor. The agencies are:
- Council on Aging of West Florida $10,000
- Pensacola Civitan Club, $12,000
- Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, $6,000
- Ray of Hope, of Northwest Florida, $14,000
The Escambia County Neighborhood Enterprise Division will screen applicants for income eligibility and other program requirements. Once an applicant is approved, the agency will be notified by NED for scheduling of ramp installation.
Income limits for the program, based up household size will be:
1 — $36,550
2 — $41,750
3 — $46,950
4 — $52,150
5 — $ 56,350
Homeowners interested in applying for assistance may contact the Escambia County Neighborhood Enterprise Division at (850) 595-0022 or ned@myescambia.com.
Pictured: A wheelchair ramp at a home on Lewis Street in Cantonment. Pictured below: A wheelchair ramp at a home on Chemstrand Road. Both were constructed with volunteer labor through an Escambia County pilot program. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Deputies, Corrections Officers Win Guns Vs. Hoses Tourney Benefiting Deputy Cancer Patient
September 2, 2019
Officers from Escambia County Sheriff Office and Escambia County Corrections Department joined together to with the annual Guns vs. Hoses tournament in Walton County. With the partnership of Cancer Freeze, the tournament raised over $50,00 to help Walton County Sheriff’s deputy Lee Barry fight his battle with cancer. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Church Seeks Approval For New Cemetery
September 2, 2019
A Cantonment church is seek county approval for a new cemetery.
The St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church wants to use about a half acre of an empty plot of land behind and adjacent to the church for the gravesites. The church is located in the 2400 block of Highway 29, just south of Quintette Road.
According to county documents, the church proposes to use the cemetery to benefit church members and their families.
The Escambia County Development Review Committee must approve the plan before it moves forward in the permitting process.
Escambia County Public School’s Foundation Selects New Executive Director
September 2, 2019
The Escambia County Public Schools Foundation has announced Kristie Kelley will serve as the Foundations’ executive director.
Kelley served on the ECPS Foundation Board for the past seven years and held numerous positions, including Board Chair from 2017-2018. Her support of Escambia County’s public schools began over 22 years ago as a science teacher at Pine Forest High. Even after transitioning to Gulf Power as a chemist, she maintained her connection with the district.
Kelley volunteered to teach “I Love Science” labs to fifth grade students and valued the opportunity to share with students the importance of STEM and encourage them to pursue careers in industry. As a business leader, Kelley continued to engage and support education and training efforts of the district through sponsorship of the Gulf Power Academy and partnership with the Workforce Education department.
“I am so excited about giving back to my community as a native of Pensacola and product of Escambia County public schools myself.” Kelley feels honored to lead the foundation to enhance education and plans to improve public education by raising awareness of the foundation’s mission while increasing donations of time, talent, and financial support for the district’s schools, teachers, and students.
“During my career, I visited schools and saw the dedication of the teachers and the excitement of their students when someone was able to bring additional experiential learning activities into the classroom. This involvement drove my interest in serving on the Foundation’s Board and growing programs such as the Foundation’s annual Grants for Excellence.” The grants program provides funds for either collaborative groups or individual teachers to enhance education at the classroom level.
“I also have two sons attending our local public schools and it’s critical to me that our District is maximizing and growing available resources. I’m proud to serve as the Executive Director of the Foundation, and look forward to working with board members, and fostering collaboration across our community.”
The Foundation’s Board of Directors is comprised of 24 volunteer community leaders and professionals who value education and bring unique perspectives from business, industry, and education. The board strives to increase opportunities and improve outcomes for children in our School District and to ensure that students graduate on time and are college or career ready. Since 1986, over $12.5 million dollars has been raised and distributed help reach these goals.
Charter Review: Who Are The 11 People Tasked With Molding Century’s Future?
September 1, 2019
As Century considers a charter review that would will shape and mold the future of the town’s government for decades to come, 11 local residents have been appointed to serve on a charter review committee.
Ten people submitted their written applications during the legally-noticed period, and the council appointed one additional person to the committee.
The committee will be tasked with exploring the town charter – the document that establishes the town, outlines its powers and spells out how it should operate. The current Century charter has not been updated in almost 40 years. An official first meeting of the committee has not yet been scheduled.
The members of the charter review committee bring decades of experience, decades of calling Century home and a passion to see a major turnaround that leads to making Century a better place.
Charter Review Committee Members
Shelisa McCall Abraham is a team mentor that has 28 years experience in the financial services industry. She has lived in Century for 11 years. “I was born in Century and I love this town. When I moved back four years ago, I did so with high expectations. After reading the grand jury report, I was disheartened and desperately searched for a way to help ‘my town’. I believe brining my experience and background to this commission is one way I can help.”
Mary H. Bourgeois is a local business owner and was born and raised in Century. She serves at the president of the Century Area Chamber of Commerce and has 40 years of experience in real estate, a rental business, restaurant and retail. She said she could “contribute to the future of the town, increase efficiency and effectiveness of local town government, ensure compliance with Florida statutes, and eliminate potential misinterpretations of the charger to include duties of the mayor, council and town staff.”
Cheryl Boutwell is a retired from the Department of Defense with 30 years progressive human resources and IT experience. She has lived in Century for seven years with her husband Ben, who is a member of the Century Town Council. Cheryl Boutwell also serves as a Byrneville Elementary board member and is treasurer of Century Hope Gardens. “I believe my extensive experience within the military environment, dealing with regulations, policies and procedures could lend itself to charter development.”
Michelle Cunningham is self employed and part owner of a local beauty supply business. She has experience that includes convenience store manager and a computer programmer. She is vice-chair of the Century Hope Garden, and has lived in Century for 25 years. “I would like to be personally involved in the shaping of Century. To be able to assist in the governmental process would be a great honor and a growing experience and I believe I could be of some help in making Century a greater place to live.”
Evelyn Hammond, is a former council member, former mayor and is now retired. She was working for the town during when the first charter was created. She is a lifetime resident. “I feel because of my experience in city government, I would be able to be an asset to this commission.”
Janice M. Jennings is a Century native and has live in Century for seven consecutive years. Now retired, she has served on the board of directors of the Community Action Program and worked in a project management. “As a concerned citizen, I believe that my degree in business management and my masters in organizational management I have experience in resolutions and being able to work as a team member.”
Dynette Lewis worked in accounts payable and payroll positions. She has lived in Century for 51 years. “I would like to serve because I am a citizen of the Century community and I am very passionate about what goes on in Century, I would live to offer my services however possible to make positives change to help Century move toward the future.”
Eunice McKinney is a retired public employee that has lived in Century for 26 years. She spent decades as an operations and management consultant, contract manager and other positions with the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Department of Labor. “I live here and know that I can use my acquired skills and abilities to make a contribution to the problem solving process. I certainly want this town to prosper again. Every resident probably feels the same.”
Delores Wright Miley was born in Century, and she retired in Century in 2009. She worked in banking for 42 years advancing from teller to branch manager. “I love Century. I am not familiar with the old charter, but I am eager to help improve my community and serve.”
Jennifer Read has worked in tech support for 15 years and has lived in Century for 41 years. “I want to see Century continue to succeeds as a town. I have lived here all my life. And I love this town and the people in it.”
Helen Mincy was the 11th person appointed to the committee without submitting an application. As a result, her information was not available.
Hill Removed From Public Integrity And Ethics Committee
September 1, 2019
Republican Rep. Mike Hill, who represents North Escambia, has been stripped from the House Public Integrity & Ethics Committee.
Hill received sharp bipartisan criticism earlier this year after controversial remarks and laughter when asked by a political meeting audience member if he would sponsor legislation for men that have relations with other men. On an audio tape of the exchange, Hill laughs and says, “I wonder how that would go over.”
Hill was condemned by members of both parties and drew comment from Gov Ron DeSantis.
While Hill was removed from the Public Integrity & Ethics Committee, which investigates ethical issues, he remains on the Civil Justice Subcommittee, the Judiciary Committee and the PreK-12 Innovation Subcommittee, according to an assignment list released Friday afternoon by House Speaker José Oliva.
Alabama’s New Gas Tax Begins Today
September 1, 2019
The first phase of Alabama’s newest gas tax went into effect Sunday.
The gas tax is an extra 6 cents per gallon, with another 2 cents coming in 2020 and 2021 for a total 10 cent increase.
The increase was earmarked for road and bridge projects by the Alabama legislature. Each penny is expected to translate to $32 million in additonal revenue.
It was the first change in Alabama’s gas tax since 1992.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Community United Fellowship Monday At Carver Park
September 1, 2019
The Cantonment community will come together Monday evening for a “Community United Fellowship” event at Carver Park.
The event begins at 6 p.m. at Carver Park on Webb Street with Elder Robert Gross, Pastor Riley, Pastor John Willlims, Dr. Alandus Long and Pastor Lawrence Robinson.
It will be a time of encouragement, celebration and community fellowship. Attendees are urged to bring a lawn chair.
And on Saturday, September 7 at noon, Neighbor Meeting Neighbor Day will be held at Carver Park.
Both events are sponsored by the Cantonment Improvement Committee and their partners.