We Are Now Officially In A Severe Drought
September 29, 2023
A severe drought exists across much of the North Escambia area, according to the latest information released Thursday by the National Drought Mitigation Center.
A portion of Escambia County in Alabama is under an extreme drought.
There is no rainfall in the forecast for the next week in the North Escambia area.
According to the National Weather Service in Mobile:
- Many local streams and rivers have shown some degradation in flow and stage remaining at below or much below normal levels. This can lead to hazards and increased difficulty in safe navigation of recreational boating and commercial waterway needs.
- Crop condition in the driest of areas remains very poor and pasture lands provide little to no livestock feed. Supplemental feeding is required to maintain livestock condition.
- Increase in air-borne allergens likely to create problems for respiratory sensitive groups.
- Water conservation techniques are strongly encouraged in drought areas
T-Mobile Goes Live On Cell Tower In Town Park, Increasing Revenue For Century
September 29, 2023
T-Mobile went live recently on a cell tower in a town-owned park, and that should mean a little more revenue for Century.
In 2021, the Century Town Council approved a five-year lease with options out to 40 years with Diamond Towers for a tower with AT&T service on a parcel of land in the town’s Anthony Pleasant Park off West Highway 4. It’s a small area tucked away essentially at the back of the park.
In early 2022, AT&T was the first carrier to provide service from the tower.
Diamond pays about $1,500 per month for at least five years under the terms of the contract. There is another $500 per month due for any additional cellular provider, such as T-Mobile, collocated on the tower in the future. There are annual options for slight increases.
Pictured: This tower at Anthony Pleasant Park in Century provides AT&T and T-Mobile service now. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Rep. Salzman Holding Essay Contest For Students To Be A House Page Or Messenger
September 29, 2023
Rep. Michelle Salzman is holding an essay contest to select the 2024 page/messenger she will nominate to service in the Florida House program.
Pages and messengers work one week at the Florida Capitol during the 60-day regular legislative session. They assist representatives and their staff during the busy time while observing state government in action.
The deadline for students in grades 6-12 to enter is October 16. Essays should be around 500 words and discuss what civics means to the writer. First and last name, grade and parental contact information should be included. Email to trevor.huff@myfloriahouse.gov.
While performing their duties, pages and messengers have the opportunity to observe lawmakers, lobbyists, staff, and constituents working together in the legislative process. Opportunities will include committee meetings, House sessions in the chamber, and occasionally press conferences with notable people or celebrities.
The page and messenger program is a longstanding tradition in the Florida House of Representatives, dating back to 1865. Each student who serves as a page or messenger will have his or her name appear in the Journal of the House. This will be an official record of their time spent in the Florida House to perhaps one day show their children and grandchildren.
For more information on page and messengers, click here.
File photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ransom Middle School Names Students Of The Month
September 29, 2023
Ransom Middle School has named their Students of the Month for August. They are Kylee Middleton and Demarcus Anderson, both eighth graders. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Motorcyclist Killed In Late Wednesday Crash
September 28, 2023
A 41-year old motorcyclist from Escambia County was killed in crash late Wednesday night.
The crash happened about 11:25 p.m. on Gulf Beach Highway at Plateau Road.
The Florida Highway Patrol said an 81-year old Lillian, Alabama, woman was driving her Ford F150 south on Plateau Road when she failed to yield to oncoming traffic. Troopers said she attempted to make a turn onto Gulf Beach Highway and collided with the front of the motorcycle.
The driver of the motorcycle was pronounced deceased on the scene by Escambia County paramedics.
File photo.
Gomez, Cunningham Elected By Default, No One Else Qualifies For Century Mayor, Council
September 28, 2023
The interim mayor and an interim council member will keep their seats because no one else qualified for a special election.
Luis Gomez, Jr. was elected as the only candidate for the office of mayor, and Henry Cunningham was elected for town council without opposition.
Gomez was recently appointed interim mayor after the resignation of Ben Boutwell, and Cunningham was appointed on an interim basis to the council seat vacated by Gomez.
Wednesday was the final day of a qualification week the town council shortened to just three days.
The special election was set for November 1 with the oaths of office 10 days later on November 11. It was not immediately clear if Gomez and Cunningham will be sworn in November 11 or sooner. In the meantime, they will continue to hold their interim seats.
Pictured top: Luis Gomez, Jr. (left) and Henry Cunningham. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
‘Armed And Dangerous’ Suspect Wanted For Burglaries In Walnut Hill, Atmore Now Behind Bars
September 28, 2023
Asuspect described by authorities as “armed and dangerous” is now behind bars. He was wanted in connection with burglaries in Walnut Hill and Atmore.
Mario Dewayne Mendez, 46, was booked into the Baldwin County Jail Wednesday on Bay Minette Police Department charges of public intoxication, disorderly conduct, attempting to elude a police officer, criminal trespass third degree, and criminal mischief third degree. He was held without bond due to outstanding warrants from Escambia County, Florida, and Escambia County, Alabama.
Mendez was wanted for a September 5 burglary on Arthur Brown Road in Walnut Hill where a golf cart, tools, camera accessories and other items were stolen, according to the Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators believe Mendez is also responsible for multiple thefts in Atmore where a pistol and rifle were stolen.
“Various Items from weapons and other property have been stolen,” APD said. “Mendez is presumed to be armed and dangerous due to the items stolen from various properties.”
Image page top and first image below from a Walnut Hill burglary courtesy of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Bottom two images courtesy Atmore Police Department for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
ReImagine Cantonment Returning In October With Free Food, Clothing And More
September 28, 2023
The ReImagine Cantonment outreach will return next month.
The event will be held Saturday, October 21, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Carver Park in Cantonment.
The faith-based event will include a 20,000 pound food giveaway, lunch, fishing lessons with free fishing rods, free tablets, baby diapers, HIV testing, clothing, free laundry detergent and more. Absolutely everything is free. There will also be free children’s activities, including train rides, inflatables, face painting, games, popcorn, and a coloring contest with three participants winning a new bicycle.
ReImagine Cantonment is a project of Doers of the Word Ministry and is sponsored by numerous churches and other organizations, including NorthEscambia.com.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sewing Club Presents Bibs To Escambia Westgate For Pre-K Students
September 28, 2023
The Caring Hearts Sewing Club presented 16 bibs to Jennifer Kozell’s Pre-K class at Escambia Westgate on Wednesday.
The Caring Hearts Sewing Club falls under the Council on Aging umbrella. Group members sew and crochet items for people and organizations in the community using donated supplies.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Fans Asked To Black Out The Panthers; Free Student Pregame Tailgate Party And Shirts
September 28, 2023
The Tate High Aggies are asking fans to black out the stands Friday night as they host a district game against Milton.
There will be a tailgate event in the school courtyard at 5 p.m. Friday with free tailgate party food and drinks provided by Marcus Pointe Baptist Church. The church will also provide free blackout shirts to the first 250 students who attend.