Century CRA Plan Completed For Review (With Plan PDF)
July 3, 2018
Century’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) plans are complete and are moving forward toward final approval.
The Century Town Council, sitting as as the Community Redevelopment Agency, submitted the plan Monday night to the town council sitting as Local Planning Agency. The Local Planning Agency has 60 days to submit a review of the plan to ensure it conforms to the town’s comprehensive plan and return a recommendation to the CRA.
The public can also review the plan by clicking here or in person during normal working hours at Century Town Hall and submit written comments to Town Clerk Kim Godwin.
Once the CRA is in place and operating, it will work to improve conditions within the area. As property tax values rise, most of the increase will be funneled back into the redevelopment area for further improvements.
The CRA area is 510 acres, bounded by Jefferson Avenue to the south, Jefferson Avenue to the east, East High 4 to the north and the center line of North Century Boulevard to the west. It also extends north on the east side of North Century Boulevard to include commercial properties up to, and including, the former Burger King. Click here for a detailed map (pdf).
Pictured top: Century town planner Debbie Nickles explains the CRA to the Century Town Council, which heard about the plan while sitting as both the Community Redevelopment Agency and the Local Planning Agency. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
New York Media: Century Man Convicted On Child Sex Charges
July 3, 2018
Major media outlets in New York City are reporting a man from Century has been convicted of over two dozen child sex abuse charges on Long Island, but NorthEscambia.com has learned that he only lived in the local area as a prison inmate.
Suffolk County (NY) District Attorney Timothy D. Sini announced the sentencing of 27-year old Benjamin Fielman of Century, FL, for sexual conduct involving three young children who were in his care in Suffolk County between 2009 and 2014.
According to the Florida Department of Corrections, nFielman was serving time at Century Correctional Institution prior to being extradited to New York state to face charges in Suffolk County, which includes Long Island.
Fielman was sentenced to 10 years in prison in Broward County, FL, in June 2017 for child sex abuse convictions.
Fielman was convicted in New York last week of sexually abusing and taking sexually explicit photos and videos of three unrelated children between the ages of 7 and 11 years old. He was employed as a babysitter for the children.
In April 2014, the Suffolk County Police Department was contacted by Florida law enforcement officials after they arrested Fielman on charges related to sexual abuse of a child. During the Florida investigation, authorities found Fielman to be in possession of child pornography and determined that it originated in Suffolk County. Florida authorities contacted the Suffolk County Police Department’s Computer Crimes Unit, which investigated the origin of the images and videos through the files’ metadata and was able to identify the victims.
On March 8, 2018, Fielman was extradited from Florida by detectives from the Suffolk County Police Fugitive Squad. He was returned to Suffolk County to face the charges against him in New York.
“This conviction was the result of excellent investigative work by the Suffolk County (NY) Police Department in collaboration with the District Attorney’s Office and law enforcement officials in Florida,” Sini said.
Wahoos Match Franchise Record With Eighth Straight Win
July 3, 2018
The Wahoos matched their franchise record of eight straight wins and clinched their fifth straight series win in Monday night’s ballgame at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Pensacola and Mississippi split the doubleheader with the Wahoos taking game one 3-0 and dropping the second game 6-3 to the Braves, snapping Pensacola’s streak.
In game one, Pensacola scored all three of their runs off home runs. In the bottom of the second inning, Luis Gonzalez smashed a two-run homer to left field that scored Mitch May to give the Wahoos a 2-0 lead. Later in the bottom of the fourth inning, Mitch Nay hit a solo home run to left center field to increase the lead to 3-0.
Wahoos starter Vladimir Gutierrez (W, 5-8) had a solid outing for Pensacola. Gutierrez pitched six shutout innings, with only two walks and five strikeouts. Robinson Leyer (S, 2) was credited with the save as he retired all three batters he faced to secure the Wahoos eighth-straight win.
In game two, the Wahoos starter Victor Payano struggled to keep the Braves in check. He was charged with five runs, all earned over 2.2 innings in the spot start. Most of the damage came with two outs in the third inning. It started with a walk to Tyler Marlette, followed by a two-run homer from Travis Demeritte and three straight singles after that. When the dust settled the M-Braves had added four runs to their existing 2-1, leaving the Wahoos with a five-run hole to dig out of. Pensacola rallied to make it a three-run game with a couple of runs in the bottom of the third.
Narciso Crook sparked the rally with a laser shot out of the park to left for his second home run of the season. Later in the inning Nay doubled home Gonzalez, but that’s as close as the Wahoos would get.
Kyle Wright (W, 5-7) had an impressive outing for the Braves. He pitched six innings, and despite giving up three earned runs early in the game, settled in and totaled five strikeouts, and only two walks the rest of the way. Chad Sobotka (S, 1) earned his first save of the season as he saddled three out of the four batters to give the Braves the victory.
The series wraps up on Tuesday night as right-hander Keury Mella (7-3, 3.20) will open the game for Pensacola on the mound, and right-hander Bryse Wilson (1-5, 6.25) will take the hill for Mississippi.
Two Vehicle Crash In Front Of Molino Community Center
July 2, 2018
One person was transported to the hospital by Escambia County EMS following a two vehicle collision Monday afternoon in front of the Molino Community Center.
The 1:15 p.m. crash on Highway 95A remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Sentenced On Weapons Charges, Including Possession Of Short Barreled Shotgun
July 2, 2018
A Cantonment man has been sentenced on weapons charges that followed a fight with his girlfriend.
William Dean Meincke, 42, was convicted of possess of a short barrelled shotgun and two felony counts of possession of a weapon of ammunition by a convicted felon. He was sentenced by Judge Jennie Kinsey to four years probation, ordered to complete 72 hours community service and pay court costs. He was also ordered not to possess firearms and surrender any firearms in his possession, and not to posses or consume drugs or alcohol.
Last November, Meincke became involved in an argument with his live-in girlfriend at his home in Cantonment. Resulting domestic violence charges were dismissed, but it’s what deputies found in the home that led to his conviction.
Deputes reported finding multiple weapons in Meincke’s bedroom, including a 12-guage short barreled shotgun. He is a convicted felon not allowed to possess firearms.
Schedule: Area Fireworks Shows, Other Fun Fourth Events
July 2, 2018
Here’s a guide to public, non-profit Fourth of July Fireworks shows and events cross the North Escambia area:
Pensacola – Sertoma’s Fourth of July Celebration 2018 - For the 29th year, area Sertoma organizations are hosting the largest fireworks display on the Gulf Coast over Pensacola Bay on Wednesday, July 4 at 9 p.m. There will beactivities throughout the day in Seville Square, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., including arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, live entertainment and a free children’s area. Free Sparks & Stars performance from the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra at the Hunter Amphitheater in Vince Whibbs Community Maritime Park is at 7:30 p.m.
Pensacola Beach Fourth of July Fireworks - 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 4. Celebrate your independence with fireworks on the sound side of the island.The best viewing spots would be from the Portofino Boardwalk or Quietwater Beach.
Jay Celebration – July 4 - The day begins with the annual Celebration Freedom 5K Run at Bray-Hendricks Park. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m., $25. Live music, food, facing painting, bouncy houses and more fun for the family begins at 6 p.m. Fireworks at dark.
Milton Riverfest – Downtown Milton. Car show 9 am. to noon Elmira Street, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. children’s activity area at north gazebo, wet slides 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. South Willing Street, duck race 5 p.m., live entertainment north gazebo 6:30 until 8:30 p.m., fireworks at dark over Blackwater River launced from south of the railroad trestle.
East Brewton July 4 – Live music begins at 5 p.m., duck race and more. Fireworks at dark.
Lathram Chapel Cantonment — Lathram Chapel United Methodist Church at 2690 Jacks Branch Road in Cantonment will hold an Open House on July 4 with free hot dogs, chips, drinks, ice cream, watermelon and a bounce house.
Farm Hill Methodist Church – On July 4, Farm Hill Methodist Church will have an old fashioned Independence Day celebration fundraiser from 3-9 p.m. with food, games, a huge water slide and bounce house, and fireworks at dark. Donations will be accepted to help church youth with the cost of an Appalachian mission trip.
New Little Free Library At Cantonment Park
July 2, 2018
There’s a new Little Free Library in Cantonment. Ascend Performance Materials donated the new library at Carver Park on Webb Street.
The Little Free Library concept is simple — anyone from the community may borrow a book or add a book to the library. Anyone taking a book or two from library does not need to return that exact book, and there are no due dates.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Meetings This Week
July 2, 2018
Here is a schedule of Escambia County public meetings this week:
Thursday, July 5
Board of County Commissioners Agenda Review Session – 9:15 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
Development Review Committee – 1 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Board of County Commissioners Public Forum - 4:30 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
BCC Regular Meeting – 5:30 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
Friday, July 6
Selection Committee – Corrections Director Interviews – 9:30 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, 4th Floor Training Room
FWC Law Enforcement Report
July 2, 2018
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending June 14 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
While on routine patrol, Officer Long received information regarding a person trespassing and fishing on private property. The suspect was cited for trespassing and fishing on the same property earlier this year. While Officers Long and McHenry were searching the property, the suspect was spotted and immediately fled northwest through adjacent properties. With assistance from FWC aviation assets and local K9 deputies, the suspect was apprehended and cited for resisting without violence, trespass after warning and interference with an FWC officer.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Jones was on water patrol in Santa Rosa Sound near the Navarre Beach Boat Ramp and noticed a personal watercraft operating on a plane in the idle speed zone. He contacted the vessel operator who showed signs of impairment. Officer Jones asked the operator to perform field sobriety tasks during which he showed signs of impairment. The boater was arrested for BUI and transported to the Santa Rosa County Jail.
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Wahoos Washed Out Sunday; Doubling Up On Monday
July 2, 2018
Sunday’s game between the Wahoos and the M-Braves has been postponed due to inclement weather in the area. The game will be pushed back to Monday as part a doubleheader. The two teams had hoped to fit tonight’s game in, but with the threat of impending weather moving through the area, the Wahoos determined that the safest course of action was to postpone the game.
Fans with tickets to Sunday’s game can exchange their ticket, subject to availability, at the Blue Wahoos Box Office for a ticket of equal or lesser value for any remaining regular season game, except for July 3.
Game one Monday will feature RHP Vladimir Gutierrez (4-8, 5.33) against M-Braves starter RHP Enderson Franco (2-5, 3.68). After the conclusion of the first game, former first-round pick Kyle Wright will take the hill for Mississippi while Pensacola has yet to disclose its game two starter.