New $4 Million Highway 4 Bridge Is Now Open (With Gallery)
August 29, 2024
The Highway 4 bridge over Canoe Creek reopened Wednesday afternoon.
The estimated completion date for the nearly $4 million bridge had been delayed by weather until September 1. Contractors were able to finish construction in August, but the opening was then delayed by paint problems.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The new bridge replaces an 81-year-old structure that hat was closed on July 10, 2023, with traffic between Bratt and Century detoured.
Editor’s note: The photos here and in the gallery were taken a couple of weeks ago before paint issues were fixed. We were unable to take new photos after the opening Wednesday afternoon due to a strong thunderstorm, heavy downpours and lightning.
Pictured: The Highway 4 bridge over Canoe Creek on Friday afternoon, August 16. Northescambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Why Were Millions In Grants Pulled From Century? This Is What Our Investigation Found.
August 29, 2024
Millions of dollars in state grants to the Town of Century have been terminated, and a NorthEscambia.com investigation has uncovered what has actually happened and why.
FloridaCommerce pulled $12,877,137 in grant funds from Century for a hurricane shelter/community center and bridges and awarded the money instead to Escambia County. The state also terminated $2,740,350 in grants for community center construction on Jefferson Avenue, ending that project in its tracks. (Read more...)
Why does the mayor believe the state terminates the grants with Century?
Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. told his council and local citizens that the grants had been taken away from the town by FloridaCommerce, which is the Florida Department of Commerce.
“They took that and said that the Town of Century has financial woes. It had nothing to do with these five people sitting up here (the town council) nor myself. They based their findings on the last three or four years of financial audits, meaning that whoever was in charge three to four years ago, the audit that they did.”
Gomez was first elected to the town council seven years ago in 2017. He was voted council vice president in January 2020, and council president in January 2021. Gomez was appointed interim mayor in August 2023, later to be elected mayor.
A Century audit filed late with the state in 2024 showed a “deteriorating financial condition” and over $4.5 million in fund deficits. Earlier audits during Gomez’s tenure showed signs of a financial emergency in Century and multi-million dollar deficits. Also during Gomez’s term on the council, a 2019 grand jury investigation found the Town of Century lost over $1 million in utility accounts in just two years, could not account for over 40 percent of their natural gas, made loans not revealed on audits for 14 years, improperly borrowed about $3 million from accounts with a 750-year payback plan, and a state of financial emergency.
Of the current council members: Sandra McMurray Jackson has been on the council since 2010; Dynette Lewis took office in January 2021. Henry Cunningham, Alicia Johnson, and Shelisa McCall Abraham first joined the council as an interim members in 2023, later winning elections to their current seats.
What does FloridaCommerce say?
In a May letter, the state agency said they were taking back $12.8 million for a hurricane shelter/community center and bridges ”due to financial and fiscal solvency issues the Town is facing”. In additional emails provided by the town, the agency provided little additional reasoning.
Gomez and consultant grant writer Robin Phillips said they were never really told why and did not know who made the decision, with Phillips adding that her contacts at the state said the decisions were made by someone higher up.
NorthEscambia.com emailed and called the Office of Communications and External Affairs at FloridaCommerce on August 22. The agency did not respond to our requests.
State representative says she was ultimately responsible based on the town’s actions
In an exclusive interview, State Rep. Michelle Salzman told NorthEscambia.com that she started a process that ultimately led to the state terminating the grants with Century. Salzman said she went to the Florida Auditor General to look at everything involving grants to Century and look for any concerns or red flags.
“I just have concerns that they are throwing money away and do of the constituents,” she said. “I have concerns when the mayor comes in and pays this new guy and he makes more than I do.”
Salzman was referring to Howard Brown, principal of Local Government Consulting Group (LGCG) of West Palm Beach. He also serves as interim town manager.
Moments after being sworn in interim mayor in August 2023, Gomez said he needed help to make sure he could properly run the town.
“I know that I am in over my head, but I don’t want the town of Century to suffer due to my lack of experience in this position,” Gomez told his town council before introducing a consultant. That individual was not hired.
In the months that followed, the town hired a South Florida company to manage many of the town’s operations.
In December 2023, the town signed a contract with LGCG of West Palm Beach for $7,500 per month. That amount was later increased in June 2024 to $8,000 per month. The council also approved paying an additional $3,000 per month for grant writing services and $175 per hour for Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Consulting Services.
LGCG also serves as “Coordinator of Ongoing Projects Services” for $40 per hour. LGCG representatives Howard W. Brown Jr., Erin Connelly, and Cheryl Harrison-Lee were to provide the various services.
Under the agreement, the town should pay the group $11,000 per month, plus additional hourly and consulting fees. As state representative Salzman is paid $29,697 per year, according to a Florida House database.
Salzman said she told Gomez during “a not very nice conversation” in March that she was making the request to the Florida Auditor General for the inquiry.
“I told him them if you are doing what you are supposed to do and doing your audits, your money is good to go with the county being in charge and your projects are going to be done. But when you are not complying with general Florida government requirements, and you want more? The citizens of Century need to be taken care of by their local government.”
“I pushed really hard for years to build that town up, and now they back pedal Salzman said,” citing millions of dollars of other state grants still in place for other Century projects including help for failing or failed water wells, water meters, the wastewater treatment plan, wastewater lift stations and more. She also obtained a rural designation for Century. The designation makes Century eligible to have matching fund requirements waived for state programs and grants.
“If Century wants to continue operating the way they have been operating, they will have to live with it,” Salzman added. “I will not provide additional grants or funding until they get their ducks in a row.”
Pictured top: Century resident Gary Bradley stands in front of a monitor at a recent Century Town Council meeting. Bradley pointed at interim Town Manager Howard Brown (lower left on the monitor) and asked why Brown was attending the meeting remotely via Microsoft Teams rather than in person. Pictured below: Another citizen listens during the meeting. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
College Football Week 1: Here’s How To Watch All The Games
August 29, 2024
Here is this week’s college football schedule and where to watch the games.
All times are Central.
Week 1
Thursday, Aug. 29
Howard at Rutgers | 5 p.m. | Big Ten Network
Youngstown State at Villanova | 5 p.m. | FloSports
Central State (Ohio) at Morehead State | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Reinhardt at Carson-Newman | 5 p.m. | FloSports
Minnesota Duluth at Northern Michigan | 5 p.m. | FloSports
North Carolina A&T at Wake Forest | 6 p.m. | ESPN+/ACCNX
New Hampshire at UCF | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Western Carolina at No. 24 NC State | 6 p.m. | ACC Network
Jackson State at UL Monroe | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Lafayette at Buffalo | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Fordham at Bowling Green | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Central Connecticut at Central Michigan | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Bryant at Delaware | 6 p.m. | FloSports
VMI at William & Mary | 6 p.m. | FloSports
Presbyterian at Mercer | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Wofford at Gardner-Webb | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Delta State at Mars Hill | 6 p.m. | FloSports
West Texas A&M at Sul Ross State | 6 p.m. | FloSports
Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Arkansas | 7 p.m. | ESPNU
Duquesne at Toledo | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Quincy at Drake | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
North Carolina at Minnesota | 7 p.m. | FOX
Murray State at No. 11 Missouri | 7 p.m. | SEC Network
North Dakota State at Colorado | 7 p.m. | ESPN
No. 22 Kansas vs. Lindenwood (in Kansas City, Kansas) | 7 p.m. | Big 12/ESPN+
Coastal Carolina at Jacksonville State | 7 p.m. | CBSSN
Alcorn State at UAB | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
SE Louisiana at Tulane | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Northwestern State at Tulsa | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Northern State at South Dakota | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
North American University at Stephen F. Austin | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Colorado Mesa at Texas A&M-Kingsville | 7 p.m. | LSC Digital Network
Missouri Southern State at Midwestern State | 7 p.m. | FloSports/LSC Digital Network
Southern Utah at No. 12 Utah | 8 p.m. | ESPN+
Eastern Illinois at Illinois | 8 p.m. | Big Ten Network
Monmouth at Eastern Washington | 8 p.m. | ESPN+
Sacramento State at San Jose State | 9 p.m. | truTV
Friday, Aug. 30
Lehigh at Army | 5 p.m. | CBSSN
Temple at No. 16 Oklahoma | 6 p.m. | ESPN
Florida Atlantic at Michigan State | 6 p.m. | Big Ten Network
Colgate at Maine | 6 p.m. | FloSports
Elon at Duke | 7 p.m. | ACC Network
Western Michigan at Wisconsin | 8 p.m. | Big Ten Network
TCU at Stanford | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN
Saturday, Aug. 31
No. 14 Clemson vs. No. 1 Georgia (in Atlanta, Georgia) | 11 a.m. | ABC
Virginia Tech vs. Vanderbilt (in Nashville, Tennessee) | 11 a.m. | ESPN
Illinois State at No. 25 Iowa | 11 a.m. | Big Ten Network
Austin Peay at Louisville | 11 a.m. | ACC Network
Indiana State at Purdue | 11 a.m. | Big Ten Network
Kent State at Pitt | 11 a.m. | ESPNU
Bucknell at Navy | 11 a.m. | CBSSN
UConn at Maryland | 11 a.m. | FS1
No. 8 Penn State at West Virginia | 11 a.m. | FOX
Davidson at Georgetown | 12:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Chattanooga at No. 15 Tennessee | 12:45 p.m. | SEC Network
Upper Iowa at Butler | 12 p.m. | FloSports
Glenville State at Emory & Henry College | 12 p.m. | FloSports
South Dakota State at No. 17 Oklahoma State | 1 p.m. | ESPN+
Towson at Cincinnati | 1:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Portland State at Washington State | 2 p.m. | CW Network
Edward Waters at Morehouse College | 2 p.m. | ESPN+
No. 19 Miami (Fla.) at Florida | 2:30 p.m. | ABC
Colorado State at No. 4 Texas | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN
Eastern Michigan at UMass | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Florida International at Indiana | 2:30 p.m. | Big Ten Network
East Tennessee State at Appalachian State | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN+
North Dakota at Iowa State | 2:30 p.m. | FS1
Ohio at Syracuse | 2:30 p.m. | ACC Network
Kennesaw State at UTSA | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Merrimack at Air Force | 2:30 p.m. | CBSSN
UTEP at Nebraska | 2:30 p.m. | FOX
Western Illinois at Northern Illinois | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Akron at No. 2 Ohio State | 2:30 p.m. | CBS
Miami (Ohio) at Northwestern | 2:30 p.m. | Big Ten Network
Boise State at Georgia Southern | 3 p.m. | ESPNU
Lincoln (CA) at Northern Arizona | 3 p.m. | ESPN+
Old Dominion at South Carolina | 3:15 p.m. | SEC Network
Stony Brook at Marshall | 4 p.m. | ESPN+
UC Davis at Cal | 4 p.m. | ESPN+/ACCNX
North Texas at South Alabama | 4 p.m. | ESPN+
Valparaiso at UNI | 4 p.m. | ESPN+
Eastern Kentucky at Mississippi State | 5 p.m. | ESPN+/SECN+
Campbell at Liberty | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Richmond at Virginia | 5 p.m. | ESPN+/ACCNX
Norfolk State at East Carolina | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Samford at West Georgia | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
South Carolina State at Florida A&M | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Delaware State at Sacred Heart | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Mississippi Valley State at Tennessee State | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
The Citadel at Charleston Southern | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Ave Maria University at Stetson | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Idaho State at Oregon State | 5:30 p.m. | CW Network
Western Kentucky at No. 5 Alabama | 6 p.m. | ESPN
Furman at No. 6 Ole Miss | 6 p.m. | ESPN+/SECN+
Central Arkansas at Arkansas State | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Bethune-Cookman at South Florida | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Tarleton State at Baylor | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
UNLV at Houston | 6 p.m. | FS1
UT Martin at No. 18 Kansas State | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Tennessee Tech at Middle Tennessee | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Sam Houston at Rice | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Nevada at Troy | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
North Alabama at Memphis | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Holy Cross at Rhode Island | 6 p.m. | FloSports
Northern Colorado at UIW | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Texas Southern at Prairie View A&M | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Western New Mexico at UT Permian Basin | 6 p.m. | FloSports
Alabama A&M at Auburn | 7 p.m. | ESPN+/SECN+
No. 7 Notre Dame at No. 20 Texas A&M | 7 p.m. | ABC
Fresno State at No. 9 Michigan | 7 p.m. | NBC
Idaho at No. 3 Oregon | 7 p.m. | Big Ten Network
UCLA at Hawai’i | 7 p.m. | CBS
Abilene Christian at Texas Tech | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Southern Miss at Kentucky | 6:45 p.m. | SEC Network
Southern Illinois at BYU | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Georgia State at Georgia Tech | 7 p.m. | ACC Network
Houston Christian at SMU | 7 p.m. | ESPN+/ACCNX
Grambling at Louisiana | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Nicholls at Louisiana Tech | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
James Madison at Charlotte | 7 p.m. | ESPNU
Lamar at Texas State | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Texas A&M-Commerce at San Diego State | 7 p.m. | truTV
Southern at McNeese | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Southeast Missouri State at New Mexico State | 8 p.m. | ESPN+
Missouri State at Montana | 8 p.m. | ESPN+
New Mexico at No. 21 Arizona | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN
Montana State at Utah Tech | 9 p.m. | ESPN+
Wyoming at Arizona State | 9:30 p.m. | FS1
Weber State at Washington | 10 p.m. | Big Ten Network
Sunday, September 1
North Carolina Central vs. Alabama State (in Miami Gardens, Fla.) | 2 p.m. | ESPN
Benedict College vs. Virginia State (in Canton, Ohio) | 3 p.m. | NFL Network
Tuskegee vs. Johnson C Smith (in Montgomery, Alabama) | 6 p.m. | ESPNU
No. 23 USC vs. No. 13 LSU (in Las Vegas, Nevada) | 6:30 p.m. | ABC
Monday, September 2
Boston College at No. 10 Florida State | 6:30 p.m. | ESPN
M-Braves Take 2-1 Win Over Blue Wahoos
August 29, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
Led by Luis Palacios, who produced his best start in a month, the Blue Wahoos wove together another strong performance on Wednesday from their pitching staff.
But this time, scoring one run wasn’t enough.
The Mississippi Braves produced two fifth-inning runs on four singles, all after two outs, then made that stand for a 2-1 victory against the Blue Wahoos to even the series at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Palacios followed Tuesday’s masterful outing by Blue Wahoos starter Patrick Monteverde with a strong one of his own. In six innings pitched, he didn’t allow a walk and faced just one batter above the minimum in the first four innings. The fifth inning was heading that same direction until four consecutive M-Braves batters produced two-out singles.
That became the difference in a game that had 15 hits, but only two of those for extra bases. Palacios (8-7) had given up a combined 22 hits and 16 runs in three prior August starts, which had raised his earned run average to 4.81 coming into Wednesday’s game.
He found a good rhythm Tuesday and had the Blue Wahoos in good position to take a lead.
That appeared to be the path in the bottom of the sixth inning. Jared Serna led off with a single and Nathan Martorella and Graham Pauley both followed with singles that scored the Blue Wahoos’ lone run.
But with runners on the corners with one out, M-Braves reliever Rolddy Muñoz struck out Joe Mack and Andrew Pintar to end the inning in a game-decisive sequence.
The Blue Wahoos didn’t get two runners on base the rest of the game. Three M-Braves relievers followed with shutout innings, including former Pensacola State College star Patrick Halligan, who earned his sixth hold by pitching a hitless eighth inning.
Serna finished 2-for-4 as the Blue Wahoos’ lone multi-hit batter in their lineup. In the ninth, M-Braves closer Elison Joseph made quick work of three batters to end the game.
The third game of the series will be Thursday at 6:05 p.m. with the Blue Wahoos’ Evan Fitterer (6-5, 4.06) going against M-Braves converted knuckleball pitcher David Fletcher (3-5, 5.85), who was formerly a Los Angeles Angels starting infielder.
Fletcher is trying to make a career comeback and become a two-way player like his former teammate, Shohei Ohtani.
The Wahoos will take on the Mississippi Graves at 6:05 p.m.Thursday at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Final Phase Of Highway 164 Widening Project Underway
August 29, 2024
The third and final phase of Escambia County’s ongoing project to widen portions of Highway 164 is underway.
The $1.25 million project, funded by Local Option Sales Tax, aims to improve safety along the dangerously narrow roadway by widening 2.16 miles. The first two phases were completed ahead of schedule, widening Highway 164 from Highway 97 to Green Village Road and from Green Village Road toward North Highway 29.
The current phase involves widening the stretch near North Pine Barren Road, which was not originally scheduled to start until September. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane during construction. The entire project is expected to be completed by September 20.
According to county engineering data, the sections being widened experienced a high concentration of accidents between May 2018 and May 2023.
Pictured above and below: Work on Highway 164 near Pine Barren Road Wednesday afternoon. Pictured below: The first phase completed on Highway 164 near Highway 97. NorthEscambia.com potos, click to enlarge.
ECUA Approves Water, Sewer And Sanitation Rate Increases
August 28, 2024
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority on Tuesday approved rate increases for water, wastewater and sanitation customers.
The board approved an ECUA Citizen’s Advisory Committee recommendation for 3% across the board increase for all three services.
The 3% increase for water and wastewater rate increases will be a moderate increase for most customers. For a typical mainland customer using 6,300 gallons, the increase would be 94 cents for water and $1.08 for wastewater, for a total of $2.02 per month. (Pensacola Beach water and wastewater customers pay a higher rate.)
District 5 board member Kevin Stephens said he was not necessarily opposed to the rate increases based upon staff recommendations and due to “our drastically failing infrastructure”.
A 3% increase or sanitation rates is also proposed.
For residential customers with a 90-gallon on smaller container, the rate will go from $29.82 to $30.56, increasing by 74 cents. The senior citizen rate with a 60-gallon container would increase 62 cents from $24.98 to $25.60.
“Other changes included an increase so the initial delivery charge for non-compaction rolloff containers in the commercial division, the resolution states. “The (fiscal year) 2024 budget included changes to commercial rates to become more competitive with the private sector.”
No member of the public spoke to the board Tuesday during a public hearing on the rate increases.
PPD Arrests Cantonment Man On Drug and Weapons Charges
August 28, 2024
The Pensacola Police Department recently arrested on Cantonment man on drug and weapon charges.
William Austin Thomann, 27, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released on a $9,500 bond.
A Pensacola Police Department officer got behind Thomann on Creighton Road and followed him to residence on house on Elaine Circle before initiating a traffic stop.
Thomann was extremely nervous, according to an arrest report, and admitted to not wearing a seat belt. An officer noted the faint smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle that was mostly masked by the “overwhelming smell of cigarette smoke.
Thomann claimed to have a medical marijuana card, but police said he could not produce it.
PPD said a search of the vehicle turned up 20 oxycodone pills, 16 grams of marijuana, a small glass pipe with residue, and 9mm semi-automatic handgun with a loaded 12-round magazine and one round in the chamber.
Police said the items were found wrapped in a shoebox for black Adidas size 11 tennis shoes.
“This was the same shoe the suspect wore on scene,” the report states.
Court records indicate Thomann has a prior third degree felony narcotics conviction.
Atmore Community Hospital Receives $2 Million Grant For Equipment
August 28, 2024
U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) has announced a $2 million congressionally directed spending grant for Atmore Community Hospital.
The hospital, operated by the Escambia County (AL) Health Care Authority will purchase critical medical equipment with the funding, which was secured by Britt in the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024.
The award was formally announced by the Department of Health & Human Services this week.
“Health care is critical for the wellbeing of Alabamians across our great state, and modernized equipment is key to providing the best care for patients. As a daughter of rural Alabama, I understand that every community has different needs, which is why I worked to ensure Atmore Community Hospital received $2 million to procure equipment that will help bolster the care they provide,” said Britt. “I’m proud to have secured these funds during the 2024 Appropriations process, and I look forward to continuing my work on the committee to invest further into our families, our state, and our future.”
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Escambia County Grant Funded Summer Kids College In Century
August 28, 2024
Escambia County provided funding this summer to help launch the Century Kids College.
The free summer camp programs for elementary students ages 6-12 was hosted by Pensacola State College and offered offered a variety of educational and engaging activities, including a sport, an art, and a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) camp, with a variety of hands-on activities for children.
A $15,000 Community Partner Funding grant from the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners allowed PSC to serve 60 students in the Century area for three weeks. The program aimed to provide a fun and enriching experience for children in a community with limited summertime opportunities.
“II’m very excited that we were able to support this program and provide an opportunity for these students to have a fun, engaging, and educational summer camp experience at no cost to their families,” said District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry. “Programs like this should be available to all students in our community, regardless of income level, and I’m very pleased that we accomplished that goal thanks to this exciting partnership with Pensacola State College. I’d like to thank PSC and every person who worked together to ensure these students had a fantastic summer camp experience.”
The funding from Escambia County covered the costs of program coordinators, teachers, classroom supplies, and lunches.
“We are very grateful for the financial support of Escambia County so we could make this educational opportunity available in Century.,” said Dr. Ed Meadows, Pensacola State College President.
This year marked the first time the Kids College program was offered in Century. The program has been running for 34 years and has been a valuable resource for students in the area.
For additional photos, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Flomaton Sweeps Northview In Straight Sets (With Gallery)
August 28, 2024
The Flomaton Hurricanes dominated the Northview Chiefs in a volleyball match on Tuesday night, winning in three straight sets.
The final scores were 25-17, 25-20, and 25-21.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The Flomaton victory comes on the heels of a 2-0 loss to Faith Academy on Monday. Northview, meanwhile, had defeated Pine Forest 3-1 Monday night.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
