PSC Approves Gulf Power Surcharge To Pay For Hurricane Michael Restoration
May 14, 2019
On Wednesday, the Florida Public Service Commission approved a Gulf Power plan to collect a storm charge to pay for Hurricane Michael restoration.
The surcharge is $8 a month for a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours a month of electricity, which the company said would still make the average customer’s bill lower than January 2018. Commercial and industrial customers will see bills increase by 3 to 8 percent depending on their rate plan.
The increase goes into effect in July and continues for five years.
“Hurricane Michael was the most destructive hurricane this region has ever seen, causing devastation that many in northwest Florida continue to recover from. We understand that restoring power following a major storm is a critical first step for the communities and customers that we serve,” said Marlene Santos, Gulf Power president. “The plan approved by the Florida Public Service Commission today recognizes those still recovering while ensuring we can continue to serve all of our customers with reliable service now and into the future.”
Gulf Power maintains a storm-recovery reserve to help offset expenses incurred after damages from storms like Hurricane Michael. For any expenses not covered by the storm-recovery reserve, Gulf Power must make a request before the FPSC. T
When restoring power and hope to storm-devastated communities like those seen in the wake of Hurricane Michael, the energy provider incurs all of the upfront costs of power restoration and rebuilding, including out-of-town crews, plus their housing, meals and transportation, security and more. Costs also include fuel for trucks, tree trimming, poles, transformers and power lines and many other materials.
Gulf Power crews continue to reconnect customers as they have their homes and businesses repaired and work to return the company’s smart grid back to pre-storm reliability.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Discusses Possible Charter Review
May 14, 2019
The Century Town Council held a workshop meeting Monday evening to discuss the town charter — the document that establishes the town, outlines its powers and spells out how it should operate.
Lynn Tipton with the Florida League of Cities explained to the council that municipal governments in Florida often review and update their charters to meet the ever-changing landscape of government.
The Century town charter was adopted on November 27, 1979, and ratified by referendum on January 8, 1980. It has been unchanged since.
Tipton said the first step toward possible changes to Century’s charter would be the formation of a charter revision committee. The committee would hold several public forums and would work to involve local citizens every step of the way in a process that could easily take a year.
“The role of citizens in this process is crucial,” Tipton said.” Representation of the public, ability to weigh issues and to understand the charter’s importance of the city’s governing foundation.”
Century’s charter provides a form of government this a mix of council-strong mayor and council-weak mayor. That, she said, could be clarified in charter revisions, or the form of government could be changed to totally different format such as council-manager or just council where he mayor would be more of a figurehead but hold little or no power. Of the 10 cities in Florida closest in population to Century, half are council-manager and the other half is divided between a strong and weak mayor format.
The number of council members, the length of their terms and how the mayor is selected could all be changed through an updated charter.
The town council took no action Monday night on forming a charter review committee. They did, however, direct the town clerk to obtain further documentation from Florida cities that have recently made charter revisions.
Other than a NorthEscambia.com reporter, no member of the public attended the meeting.
Pictured: The Century Town Council held a workshop meeting on the town charter Monday evening. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
EMS Union Speaks Out On Escambia EMS Investigation Report
May 14, 2019
Despite initial reservations, the union represented Escambia County EMS employees says they are hopeful the findings of a special investigation will be used to “bridge the gap” between county’s first responders and the county commission.
“Our members are working diligently every day despite the public misconception of the state of the department,” International Association of EMTs and Paramedics (IAEP) Local 325 National Director Philip Petit said. “These men and women are not working under illegal certifications, they’re not breaking state law. They are highly skilled and licensed professionals who care deeply for the patients they serve every single day.”
Janice Kilgore began work on the report on April 17 and interviewed over 50 people including public safety employees, county administration and volunteer fire chiefs. Kilgore said 8 to 10-year old policies and a lack of funding are major talking points that need to be addressed. They report also found EMS coverage problems in part of the North Escambia area [more...].
Her report said the county needs to improve coordination between fire and EMS divisions, use the workforce more effectively and improve training. There has been no medical training since October 2018, a public safety fire training facility is needed, and training needs to be more skills based and hands on.
Kilgore’s report also found a multi-year vehicle replacement program is needed, and the department’s public image needs addressing.
“The best possible outcome of this process is that Escambia County’s leaders will have a real understanding of the problems these first responders face on the job and what items can be improved to improve the service and show our members the county has their back as well,” said Petit. “These men and women answer the call during an emergency – they want to know the county has their back when they need it.”
Interim County Administrator Amy Lovoy appointed Kilgore as an ombudsman after Weaver’s resignation. She worked for the county for 36 years, moving from a clerk for the Santa Rosa Island Authority to county Emergency Preparedness head. She was named Public Safety director when the position was created in 1997.
“Our members are working diligently every day despite the public misconception of the state of the department,” International Association of EMTs and Paramedics (IAEP) Local 325 National Director Philip Petit said. “These men and women are not working under illegal certifications, they’re not breaking state law. They are highly skilled and licensed professionals who care deeply for the patients they serve every single day.”
Escambia County 4-H Council Elects New Officers
May 14, 2019
Monday night, the Escambia County 4-H Council elected new officers for 2019-2020. They are:
President: Raeleigh Woodfin
Vice President: Rashidi Joseph
Secretary: Madison Behrends
Treasurer: Jessica Conti
Reporter: Ava Chauvette
Historian: Katie Ballard
Parliamentarian: Maddie Goss
Sergeant-at-Arms: Hannah Thorne
Motivational Leader: Ethan Thorne
District Council Delegate: Hannah Schnupp
Alternate District Delegate: Cat Proud
Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Three Facing Drug Charges, Including Cantonment Man
May 14, 2019
Three people, including a Cantonment man, are facing drug charges after deputies attempted to serve an arrest warrant.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to Amber Street for a warrant service after receiving a tip that 33-year old Donta Demetice Strong of Pensacola was behind a backyard shed.
Deputies reported finding multiple individuals behind the shed with narcotics and drug paraphernalia in plain view. Strong was placed under arrest for an outstanding elderly abuse warrant and cocaine possession for 1.25 grams of crack cocaine in his front pants pocket, according to an ECSO report. He remained in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Samuel Lee Purifoy, age 27 of Cantonment, was charged with cocaine possession and two counts possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. He allegedly had 2.25 grams of cocaine sitting at his feet along with ecstasy and oxycodone pills on his person. He also had outstanding warrants for withholding support and violation of probation on multiple previous drug charges.
Codarryl Demetrius Crosby, 26, was charged with possession of cocaine after deputies witnessed him throw a bag containing six grams of cocaine, according to an arrest report. He was released from jail on a $15,000 bond.
At least five other individuals were released on the scene without being charged with any crime.
Escambia Man Gets Nearly 12 Years On Child Porn Charges
May 14, 2019
An Escambia County man is headed to prison on child pornography charges.
Daniel Thaddeus Kirby, 60, was sentenced by Circuit Judge Stephen Pitre to 11.75 years in state prison to be followed by 12 years of sexual offender supervision. Kirby previously pleaded to 11 child pornography counts.
On November 7, 2018, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Kirby’s residence. Investigators examined digital devices and found several videos containing child sexual exploitation.
Bratt Elementary Names Students Of The Month
May 14, 2019
Bratt Elementary School has named their Students of the Month for April. They are
Pre-K
Kaylee Jace Marshall
Jimmy Sage
Kindergarten
Maverick Kelson
KayLeigh Morris
Jalashia Jordan
Destiny Andrews
1st Grade
Shirley Yang
Dalton Perdue
Makiah Spates
Gracie Norton
Zoey Davidson
2nd Grade
Harlow Donnell
Denis Lambeth
Briley Moore
Payton Coon
3rd Grade
Brooklyn Reynolds
Brayden Faircloth
Addy Southard
Michael Greenwell
Kendal Ard
4th Grade
Cate Greenwood
Michael Griffis
Margret Baker
5th Grade
Michael Butler
Maxwell Mason
DaShay Robinson
Leann Swearengin
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pedestrian Hit By Vehicle On Pine Forest Road
May 13, 2019
A 73-year old pedestrian was seriously injured when he was struck by a vehicle late Sunday night on Pine Forest Road.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 52-year old Joseph Quito Bande was driving northbound on Pine Forest near Tillman Lane at 11:05 when he failed to see a pedestrian walking south in the roadway. Bande’s 2010 Buick Enclave collided with 73-year old Kenneth Robert Beisheim.
Beisheim was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in serious condition. Bande and his passenger were not injured.
Any charges in the crash are pending the outcome of the FHP investigation.
$565K Project To Stabilize Gully Threatening Local Neighborhood
May 13, 2019
Escambia County is expected to award a contract this week to stabilize a gully that is threatening homes and property in local neighborhood.
The project for Motley Court Clear Creek Gully, which begins at the end of Motley Court north of East 10 Mile Road, will be awarded to low-bidder Chavers Construction for $565,228.78. A grant will fund 75% of the project, while Escambia County will provided a 25% match from Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) funds.
The drainage way is located within a 30-foot right of way starting at the north end of Motley Court and extending about 1,700 feet to Clear Creek. An open ditch has eroded into a meandering gully, ranging from 10 to 40 feet wide, 3-20 feet deep and extending to University of West Florida property.
At one location along the gully an almost vertical slope has been identified adjacent to a property owner’s privacy fence on Crooked Oak Drive. Should this gully be left unattended, Escambia County officials said damage to private properties, homes and and continued degradation of eroded sediment in Clear Creek is eminent.
Six bids on the project were received by the county, and Chavers Construction was deemed the lowest responsive bidder. Other bids ranged from $574,657 from Site and Utility, LLC, to $940,000 from Roads, Inc.
Last year, Escambia County awarded a $75,265 contract to HDR Engineering, Inc. for design services for the project.
Suspect Injured In Escambia County Officer Involved Shooting
May 13, 2019
An officer involved shooting Sunday in Escambia County is under investigation.
About 11 a.m., Escambia County Sheriff’s Office uniformed deputies arrived at the 1200-block of Albuquerque Circle to serve a felony warrant on a battery strangulation suspect.
After deputies arrived, the suspect tried exiting the building through a bathroom window. The suspect ignored several commands given by deputies to show his hands and appeared to reach towards something before shots were fired, according to a statement from the ECSO.
The suspect, who has not yet been named, was struck in the right shoulder and taken to a local hospital. No deputies were injured.
As is standard procedure, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating.