Escambia Boat Registration Fees Increasing By 50%, But You Can Renew Now And Save
June 9, 2022
Boat registration fees in Escambia County will increase by half in a few weeks, but there’s time to renew now and save a little money.
In March, the Escambia County Commission approved an additional registration fee equal to 50% of what is currently charged by the state. The increase won’t be significant. For example, the fee will increase by $2.75 for vessels under 12 feet, $8.13 for a boat 12-16 feet, and $14.38 for 16-26 feet.
Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford said boaters can renew their registration now for up to years and avoid the increase that goes into effect July 1.
Escambia County will use the increased revenue for its Marine Resources division for derelict vessel and debris renewal, cleanup of waterways and other projects that affect the health and accessibility of local marine, freshwater and coastal resources.
File photo.
CareerSource Escarosa Has Summer Jobs At $15 An Hour At Century Area Businesses For Youth 15-18
June 9, 2022
CareerSource Escarosa is currently accepting applications for a Summer Youth Employment Program for youth ages 15-18.
CareerSource Business Development Manager Darnell Sims said jobs are still available in the Century area, paying $15 per hour for up to 30 hours per week for the seven week program. The jobs are available with local private businesses and nonprofits in a variety of fields. Job readiness training with a job coach is provided prior to placement.
Applicants must been family income qualifications to participate in the program. Families that are below 200% of the federal poverty level qualify, as do those currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs, Sims said.
To download an eligibility form, click or tap here. The application can be delivered to any CareerSource Escarosa location, including 7995 North Century Boulevard (inside the Century Town Hall) Monday-Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. or 6913 North 9th Avenue in Pensacola from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.
For more information, call (850) 607-8700.
Potential employers include drug stores and other retailers in Century, Century Town Hall and NorthEscambia.com.
Editor’s note: For more information on potential youth employment program needs at NorthEscambia.com, email news@NorthEscambia.com. Do not email eligibility forms to this address.
Dozens Receive Driver’s License Services In Century, Mobile Unit Returning Quarterly
June 9, 2022
Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford was pleased with the turnout for the Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) mobile office in Century on Wednesday.
There were 46 people that took advantage of the available mobile services at an event that was a partnership between Lunsford and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles at the Billy G. Ward Courthouse on North Century Boulevard.
There were 18 driver’s license or identification transactions and 22 registrations processed.
Lunsford said he hopes to have the FLOW mobile office back in Century on a quarterly basis.
FLOW is a stand-alone mobile office with technology to provide most motorists’ needs. The mobile unit provides a convenient method to renew a driver’s license, obtain a replacement driver’s license, conversion or reciprocation of out-of-state license, change a name or address on a current driver’s license or identification card, and get a first-time identification card. In addition to licensing services, the mobile unit also provides an opportunity to renew or replace a vehicle registration and apply, renew or replace disabled parking placards. Written and driving tests are not available from the FLOW unit.
Pictured: The Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) mobile office at the courthouse in Century on Wednesday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Rain Halts Scoreless Game Between Wahoos And Barons In Birmingham
June 9, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Birmingham Barons played to a scoreless tie through three innings on Wednesday before rain forced the suspension of play.
Wednesday’s game will pick up on Thursday at 4:30 in the top of the fourth inning, with a 7-inning game to follow approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the suspended game.
Eury Pérez and Emilio Vargas traded zeroes through three innings, with only one hit for each team. Pérez struck out two batters and did not walk a batter, needing only 34 pitches to work 3.0 frames.
The Blue Wahoos lead the South Division by 3.5 games with 17 to play in the first half, pending other games throughout the league.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Barons on Thursday with a modified doubleheader.
Motorcyclist Apprehended After Crash, Manhunt In Cantonment
June 8, 2022
A motorcyclist that wrecked Wednesday morning in Cantonment was tracked down after he ran from the scene.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the Michael Fredrico Avitio, age 43 of Pensacola, was traveling west on Becks Lake Road when ran off the road and collided with the tree line. An FWC officer arrived on scene and asked the driver for his identification.
FHP said the Avitio refused to provide identification and fled on foot.
Officers with FHP, FWC, Escambia County Sheriff’s offices and corrections used K-9s and aircraft to search for the driver. Avitio was apprehended and transported to the hospital for injuries sustained during the collision.
Avitio was charged by with leaving the scene of a crash with injuries, no driver’s license for the operation of a motorcycle, attached tag no assigned and possession of methamphetamine. FWC charged hime with trespassing, resisting and obstruction. He also had an outstanding warrant from Bay County for violation of probation of a meth possession charge.
Weaver Promoted To ECSO Storekeeper, Warehouse Manager
June 8, 2022
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has promoted John Weaver to storekeeper/warehouse manager. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
McDavid Man Accused Of Assault And Battery Using A Golf Club
June 8, 2022
A McDavid man is accused of assault and battery using a golf club.
Michael David Jones, 31, was charged with aggravated assault and two counts of battery and cocaine possession.
Jones allegedly swung a golf club at a close relative and “poked” her in the side with the golf club handle following a disagreement. When the victim tried to leave the room, Jones grabbed her right arm and threw her into a door, according to an arrest report.
The victim fled, called the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and then returned to the home. The report states he jumped into the bed of her truck. She drove northbound on Stefani Road, and Jones jumped out near Moonlight Drive. He was not immediately located and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
When the warrant was served, Jones was sitting on a bed with a clear bag containing a powder that tested positive for cocaine, the report states.
Jones remained in the Escambia County Jail Wednesday morning with bond set at $14,500.
Escambia Firefighters Rescue Cat Trapped Under Vehicle
June 8, 2022
Escambia Fire County Fire Rescue responded to a call of a cat trapped under a vehicle Tuesday in Beulah.
“Upon arrival, an adult cat was found trapped in the spare tire underneath a vehicle in the 7500 block of Oak Lake Road Boulevard. The lowering system that would remove the spare tire was determined inoperable, leading ECFR to use special tools to safely remove the cat,” the fire department said in a statement.
The cat was removed and returned to its owner.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Think There’s More Traffic On Pensacola Beach These Days? You’re Right.
June 8, 2022
If you think there’s more traffic lately on Pensacola Beach, you’re right.
Last Saturday, June 4, a record 23,543 vehicles passed through the toll plaza, according to Escambia County. That broke a recent record of 22,909 on May 7.
The county installed a vehicle counter at the toll booth in 2016.
“It’s incredibly exciting to see another record-breaking weekend just a few days into summer vacation,” said Escambia County District 4 Commissioner Robert Bender, whose district includes Pensacola Beach. “Since the Bob Sikes Toll Plaza switched to electronic billing in 2020, we have noticed a reduction in travel times, leading to increased confidence for everyone coming to Pensacola Beach. Breaking a record so close to the previous one shows that Escambia County is poised for another successful summer season. We’re working closely with our tourism partners to provide a positive experience on Pensacola Beach for locals and visitors alike, and we are all eager to see how the remainder of the summer plays out.”
In April 2020, the Bob Sikes Toll Booth went to all electronic tolling, which means drivers do not have to stop and are encouraged to keep driving through the toll booth. A $1 toll will be collected from all vehicles traveling to Pensacola Beach / Santa Rosa Island via the Bob Sikes Toll Bridge. The $1 toll is collected electronically using SunPass®, E-Pass, North Carolina Quick Pass, Georgia Peach Pass, PayTollo app or TOLL-BY-PLATE.
For TOLL-BY-PLATE users, the toll is still $1 each time you pass through the toll plaza, plus a $2.50 administrative fee that is charged each billing cycle (once per month.) No matter the number of trips you take to the beach, you will only be charged the administration fee once per billing cycle.
Company Interested In Century Industrial Building, Possibly Bringing 12-15 New Jobs
June 8, 2022
An out-of-state company is interested in locating in an empty industrial space owed by the Town of Century.
FloridaWest Business Development Officer Danita Andrews told the town council Tuesday night that the company is looking at a potential lease to own agreement for the building in the town’s industrial park, but first they need a current appraisal.
One proposal has been received so far of $3,450 for the appraisal, and FloridaWest will pay for half of the appraisal cost once a bid is accepted.
Andrews said most information about the company is currently confidential, a is allowed under state law for economic development negotiations.
She said the company would bring 12-15 jobs initially with an average wage of $20-$25 an hour. She also mentioned that welders will be required by the business at about $30 an hour.
In addition, she said the company would run business hours, not be a 24/7 operation.
The building was last appraised in 2017 at $550,000, or a rent of $80,000 per year ($6,667 per month). Since that time, the town has made roof repairs and other improvements.
Known as the former Helicopter Technology building, it is a 40,000 square foot office/warehouse facility with full climate control, sprinkler system, upgraded HVAC and energy efficient lighting. The town re-acquired the industrial building at public auction for less than $1 out of pocket back in August 2009, following the town’s foreclosure judgment against the now defunct Helicopter Technology.
The FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance is economic development organization for Escambia County.
Pictured top: The industrial site known as the former Helicopter Technology build in Century. Pictured inset: FloridaWest Business Development Officer Danita Andrews addresses the Century Town Council Tuesday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.