Century Failed To Properly Test Drinking Water For Lead, Copper For A Full Year
August 8, 2023
Century has notified utility customers that they failed to test drinking water for lead and copper for an entire year as required by the state.
From July 2022 through June 2023, the town “failed to take all of our required samples from our water distribution system” for lead and copper, according to a notice recently sent to customers. “Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not our drinking water meets health standards.”
“This puts us in violation of our requirement,” the town said.
The notice continued to say there is no action needed from customers at this time.
“You may continue to drink the water…If the situation ever arises where the water is no longer safe to drink, we will notify you within 24 hours.”
The notice states that “Infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the action level could experience delays in their physical or mental development. Children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.”
In addition, the town’s notice continues to say that “some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over a relatively short amount of time could experience gastrointestinal distress. Some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over many years could suffer liver or kidney damage.”
Century Utilities said they planned to sample the water system again in July and amend procedures to ensure required sampling is conducted.
In July, NorthEscambia.com reported that Century failed to properly test drinking water for lead and copper during 2022 while failing to test for the inorganic contaminants nitrate and nitrite.
Scammers Are Posing As The Animal Shelter Saying They Have People’s Lost Pets
August 8, 2023
Someone is calling Escambia County residents with lost pets claiming to be the animal shelter and asking for $1,500 to retrieve the animal.
The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare says they have received reports of fraudulent phone calls to the public from persons claiming to represent animal welfare staff. These calls are being targeted to citizens with lost pets, claiming their pet has been brought to the shelter and asking for $1,500 to be sent via Venmo in order to retrieve the pet.
“These calls are not legitimate and are not associated with Escambia County and the Department of Animal Welfare,” a release stated. “The persons calling have “’spoofed’ the animal shelter’s phone number, causing the caller ID to show the shelter’s phone number.
Animal Welfare staff will never ask for funds to be sent via Venmo. If a lost pet is at the shelter, redemption fees will be calculated at the time of redemption. A list of animal welfare service fees is available here.
If your pet is missing, check 24petconnect.com under your zip code and the “Escambia County Florida Animal Services” location. Visit the shelter in person to identify your missing pet. The shelter is located at 200 West Fairfield Drive and open Monday-Friday, 12-5 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Pictured: A sampling of the found animals in the Escambia animal shelter as of Monday night. NorthEscambia.com image.
Here Are The 10 Cars And Trucks Stolen Most Often In Florida
August 8, 2023
The vehicle with the highest theft rate in Florida last year was a pickup truck.
That was the findings in a recent analysis of the most stolen vehicles in each state conducted by the National Insurance Crime Bureau or NICB.
Full size Ford pickup trucks topped the list in Florida.
Here were Florida’s top 10 stolen vehicles in 2022 according to NICB, listed with the most frequent vehicle year stolen and the number of thefts:
- Ford pickup (full size) – 2006 – 2,030
- Honda Accord – 2021 – 1,003
- Nissan Altima – 2015 – 1,000
- Chevrolet pickup (full size) – 2021- 992
- Toyota Camry – 2021 – 898
- Toyota Corolla – 2021 – 887
- Honda Civic – 2020 – 772
- Dodge Charger – 2021 – 639
- Honda CR-V – 2021 – 580
- Hyundai Sonata – 2013 – 577
Nationally, the top 10 stolen vehicles and model year most often stolen were:
- Chevrolet pickup (full size), 2004
- Ford pickup (full size) 2006
- Honda Civic, 2000
- Honda Accord, 1997
- Hyundai Sonata, 2013
- Hyundai Elantra, 2017
- Kia Optima, 2015
- Toyota Camry, 2021
- GMC pickup (full size), 2005
- Honda CR-V, 2001
More than 85 percent of passenger vehicles reported stolen in 2022 were subsequently recovered by law enforcement or other means, with 34 percent recovered within a day of the vehicle being reported stolen, NICB said.
Vehicle theft rates for sedans, including Honda, Hyundai and Kia, followed those of full-size pickups, with recovery rates for Hyundais and Kias between 87 and 95 percent. Social media trends were a likely factor in their high theft rankings in 2022.
Ernest Ward Middle’s Perry Retires, Boulanger Named New Principal
August 7, 2023
Nancy Gindl-Perry recently retired as principal at Ernest Ward Middle School, and Tyvanna Boulanger has been promoted from assistant principal to principal.
Located in Walnut Hill, Ernest Ward is the northernmost middle school in Escambia County, serving around 500 students from Barrineau Park and Molino north through Walnut Hill and Century to the Alabama line. The school’s roots can be traced to a one-room log schoolhouse constructed somewhere around 1886. A 1940s era building was replaced with the current school building in 2015.
We recently sat down with Perry and Boulanger to talk about the past and future of EWMS, and its importance in North Escambia.
“I asked my husband for 23 years for a career,” Perry said. “He’s been my rock and beside me for 23 years, and now it’s time for us.”
Perry said she was totally at ease with Boulanger transitioning into the principal position because she is already vested in the community and loves the children.
Except one little thing..she needs to learn to put her hair in a ponytail. That’s an inside joke that pretty much every EWMS student during the Perry era will appreciate.
The ponytail goes back to Perry’s early teaching days and came to symbolize that she was in a serious, go-getter mood.
“Even when I was teaching, the kids would say her hair is in a ponytail, you better not do anything wrong. It just followed me. So when I wanted the kids to really behave, I’d just put my hair in a ponytail. They don’t cross you; even teachers stay out of your way. There was really zero truth to it, but I thought, let’s just buy into it.”
Education has been Perry’s life, and she admits the transition to retirement will be a bit different.
“It’s the first time since I was 16 that I didn’t have a job. I’m going to do some new things. I’m not going to do an alarm clock, which is going to feel great. I’m not going to answer to anybody,” Perry said. Husband Foy is building her a she-shed. She is now into arranging flowers and has taken a couple of floral classes and wants to take a photography class.
“That’s kind of where I am. My whole life has been about education.” And her “babies”.
One of Perry’s favorite memories include their first football team. And that improved in the second year when they actually won a game.
And the new school building.
“That was bittersweet because you were tearing down the historical,” she said.
“We’ve had great teachers. We’ve been lucky with teachers that have invested themselves in Ernest Ward. Their heart and soul,” Perry said. “We still have some, but some of it you are losing. This younger generation, it’s different. The work ethic is different, and I’m not saying that in a bad way. It’s computerized now. Education is so much on a computer now, and I feel like we are losing so much of the fundamentals.”
Boulanger said she has felt welcome at EWMS from day one.
“This community is so welcoming. Hospitality has kind of died off in town; it’s no longer a thing. But out here – being hospitable, being kind, making people feel welcome. It’s still a thing here. Those are good characteristics for a person to have.”
But then there were the “peeeee-nuts”, she said. Imagine the biggest, longest, twangiest southernest drawl you can. “Peeee-nuts.”
“Peanut season. I didn’t know that was a thing. So I’m walking to the buses, and it smells terrible. I put my shirt over my face, and I’m like what’s that smell? Does anybody smell this? And the kids are like that’s ‘peeee-nuts’,” she said. “And I’m like pine nuts, oh y’all grow pine nuts out here? I love pine nuts on my salad. But they were like ‘peeeee-nuts’. ‘Peeee-nuts’ in a shell, and I was like, oh peanuts! We farm peanuts out here. Yes we do.”
Perry says Boulanger has even picked up on some of that southern drawl.
“People used to tell me that I have a very southern accent, and was like I do? Then I came out here,” Boulanger said. “Then I was like you ain’t seen nothing yet. It’s a wonderful place.”
“Mrs Perry has a beautiful program that is rooted in tradition. At Ernest Ward, we have a leg up because I was an assistant principal here, and I moved up. I already know how Mrs. Perry has managed and ran this school for so long. Many of the things we have in place will continue.”
“There are just so many things that are Ernest Ward traditions,” Boulanger said with a pause, trying not to become emotional. “Mrs. Perry has done a great job, and the school has been the pillar of the community for a long time. We want that to continue.”
But there will be subtle changes in line with keeping EWMS a pillar of a modernizing community.
“There are things that we need to modernize to keep the momentum going with the fantastic stuff that’s already in place. I’d love to try to get young people in the community teaching here. When I first came here, we had qite a few teachers that lived in the community, quite a few more than we have now because they have retired, they’ve moved. I think if there’s any secondary school in the district that can cultivate a positive climate and culture, and cultivate and develop a faculty that’s truly all-in as a team, a school family, it’s Ernest Ward.”
Looking back at her long career, Perry does have one big regret.
“Probably my biggest regret is my mom and dad didn’t get to see the new school,” Perry said, her voice trailing off as tears formed. Then silence.
“I know they did in spirit. Before my mom died, I asked her three or four times, will you come? She was coming to see it, but she passed away before she did.”
“It’ll be great. I’m sad about Mrs. Perry leaving, but I’m looking forward to what’s next,” Boulanger said.
Perry stopped her.
“You’ve got this. It’s Ernest Ward. It’s going to be great.”
Pictured top: Retired Ernest Ward Middle principal Nancy Gindl-Perry (left and new EWMS Principal Tyvanna Boulanger. Pictured below: In 2009. Perry was named Escambia County’s Principal of the Year, and she received the school’s first-ever “Golden Cow Dung Award” from the school’s FFA. Pictured bottom inset: Ribbon cutting for the current Ernest Ward Middle School in October 2015. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Sheriff’s Office Introduces “High Noon Lawman’s Blend” Coffee
August 7, 2023
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has teamed up with DeLuna Coffee to introduce High Noon Lawman’s Blend.
“This blend pays tribute to the past and present members of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The High Noon blend is a representation of determination and spirit with its own distinct flavor,” the ECSO said.
Every bag sold benefits the Escambia County Sheriff’s Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit that supports the deputies and community engagement efforts of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
For now, the coffee is available at Joe Patti’s Seafood, the Palafox Market and online. More retailers are expected to be added soon.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody was on hand last week as the coffee was introduced.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Seniors Celebrate Senior Sunrise; Brave Heat, Humidity To Paint Their Parking Spaces
August 7, 2023
Members of the Northview High School Class of 2024 braved the heat and humidity Friday to paint their senior parking spaces. They also marked their upcoming year with a senior sunrise event on Pensacola Beach Saturday morning.
Many will finish their painting job on Monday. The parking space painting event was a fundraiser for the senior class.
For more photos, click to tap here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Prices Reach A New 2023 High, AAA Says
August 7, 2023
Florida gas prices are inching lower again after surging an average of 18 cents per gallon, last week. On Friday, the state average reached a new 2023 high of $3.84 per gallon – topping the previous high of $3.72, set back in April, AAA said.
This is the fourth consecutive weekly jump at the pump. Sunday’s state average of $3.83 per gallon is 57 cents per gallon more than what Florida drivers paid on Independence Day.
In Escambia County, the average price per gallon Sunday was $3.59. A low of $3.39 was available Sunday night on Highway 29 in Cantonment, while Pensacola prices were as low as $3.29 at a station on Nine Mile Road
“Florida gas prices are now the highest since August of last year,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “These surging prices have been driven by a couple of factors. Extreme temperatures along the gulf coast has kept refineries from operating at full capacity. Globally, oil prices are significantly higher than a month ago, as OPEC production cuts cause global oil supplies to tighten.”
Bratt Elementary Students Will Return To New ‘Teacher Tested’ Playground
August 7, 2023
Bratt Elementary students will return to school this year to find a new playground, including a drum and music station made possible by the PTA.
Several teachers recently “tested” out the playground and were all smiles.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Big Shift For Highway 29 Traffic In Century During $4.7 Million Project
August 7, 2023
There has been a big shift in a Highway 29 construction zone in Century.
North and southbound traffic on North Century Boulevard has been shifted to one outside travel lane in each direction between Hatties Boulevard and East Cottage Street.
The shift will be in place through August as crews perform drainage improvements, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
The complete $4.7 million project has an anticipated completion target date in January 2024. FDOT will also upgrade traffic signals, drainage structures, pavement markings, and driveways, while also improving curb ramps and sidewalks to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
Pictured: Lane closures on Highway 29 in Century as seen on Saturday, August 5. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Beat Biloxi in Finale
August 7, 2023
The bases were loaded, the lead was halved and dangerous hitters were up as the Blue Wahoos faced seventh-inning trouble on Sunday.
Pitching coach Dave Eiland went to the mound. In less than 60 seconds, his message to reliever Zach McCambley was heeded.
McCambley struck out the next Biloxi Shuckers batter with a well-placed fastball, ended the inning on a ground out and the Blue Wahoos responded with more runs to balloon a 6-4 lead into an 11-6 victory against the Shuckers to claim the series, thus ending the homestand at Blue Wahoos Stadium in the best way.
“Dave is such a good guy to have on your staff. He’s been around baseball a long time,” said catcher Bennett Hostetler, who went 2-for-3 at the plate and drove in a big run in the bottom of the seventh to extend the lead.
“He just told Zach to trust your stuff and to make pitches, throw one at a time and that’s what Zach did,” Hostetler said. “He did a good job of limiting damage in the inning and got us out of it. And we were able to score some runs after that.”
That seventh-inning sequence could have gone the wrong way. Instead, it led to the Blue Wahoos’ (61-40) fourth win in six games against the Shuckers, who entered Sunday having won 14 of their last 19 games, including two of the first three games this week in Pensacola.
We always have tough games with those guys,” Hostetler said. “They are always back and forth. We did a good job this week of putting together good innings when we needed them. When they scored, it seemed like we would always had an answer, Just a good job by everybody, really.”
In the ninth inning Sunday, the Shuckers (53-48), the Milwaukee Brewers affiliate, had three of their four batters reach base against closer Jefry Yan. A run was scored. Eiland again went to the mound, this time to calm Yan.
Result? Two strikeouts against the next three batters to end the game.
“He has a great relationship with pretty much all of his pitchers,” Hostetler said of Eiland, a former major league pitcher, who has been pitching coach for the New York Mets and Kansas City Royals. “He knows what to say in the moment and he gets the best out of who we have on the mound.”
The Blue Wahoos used five pitchers Sunday. It started with Collin Lowe making his Double-A level debut. The 24-year-old righthander was summoned from the Jupiter Hammerheads, the Miami Marlins’ Low-A affiliate.
A free agent signee in 2022, Lowe impressed with five innings pitched, two runs allowed, no walks and three strikeouts to get the mound win. Four relievers followed.
Run support was quickly provided. In the first inning, Jacob Berry blasted a two-run homer into the right field berm. He then followed with a two-run triple in the second inning.
Berry, the Marlins’ No. 1 draft pick last year out of LSU, reached based four times Sunday, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and four RBI in his biggest game since joining the team last week from the Beloit (Wisconsin) Sky Carp, the Marlins’ High-A affiliate.
José Devers had a two-run single in the fourth inning for a 6-2 lead. Will Banfield, used as designated hitter Sunday, blasted a two-run homer in the eighth to further pad the lead.
All nine Blue Wahoos batters reached base. Eight scored runs.
The Blue Wahoos’ next home series begins on Aug. 15 against the Montgomery Biscuits.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos