Central Water Works Reopens Office After Temporary COVID-19 Related Closure
August 1, 2020
Century Water Works has reopened their business office to the public following a temporary closure due to COVID-19.
In late June, “a few” staff members learned they had been exposed to COVID-19, and the office was closed “out of concern for the health and safety” of customers, the utility said.
Even with the office reopened, customers can still leave payments in a secure dropbox on the front of the building, pay their bill by mail, make a credit or debit card payment by phone or pay online. Staff members are also available to provide customer service by phone or email.
Central Water Works has continued to respond to service requests as usual.
Central Water Works serves about 1,000 members in the McDavid, Century and Flomaton areas from their business office on Byrneville Road.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
August 1, 2020
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the period from May 29-June 11 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
(Editor’s Note: FWC fell behind in issuing reports during the pandemic.)
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Specialist Allgood was at the Navy Point Boat Ramp when he observed a vessel violate the idle speed zone. When he spoke to the operator about the violation several signs of impairment were detected. Standard Field Sobriety Tasks (SFST) were conducted and the operator was arrested for boating under the influence and booked in the Escambia County Jail.
Officer Specialist Allgood along with Officer Graves worked a detail concentrating on fisheries enforcement in the gulf water off Pensacola Pass. Four citations were issued to different vessels for possession of red snapper during a closed season.
Officer Specialist Allgood and Officer Manning documented several violations dealing with fisheries enforcement. They issued three citations for possession of red snapper in closed season, five citations for possession of triggerfish in closed season, one citation for possession of an undersized amberjack and one citation for not landing a shark in whole condition.
Officer Specialist McHenry and Pettey conducted a fishery inspection on a vessel with several people fishing for spotted seatrout. A fisheries inspection located five spotted seatrout over 19 inches. Only one spotted seatrout over 19 inches is allowed on a vessel. The vessel operator was issued a citation for the violation.
Lieutenant Lambert was at the Navy Point Boat Ramp when he observed a personal watercraft (PWC) violating the idle speed zone. When Lieutenant Lambert stopped the vessel and spoke to the operator in reference to the violation, he noticed several signs of impairment. Standard Field Sobriety Tasks (SFST) were conducted and the operator was arrested for boating under the influence. The operator later refused to give a breath sample and was booked into the Escambia County Jail.
Officers Matechik and Rockwell were on federal fisheries patrol in the Gulf of Mexico when they observed a fishing vessel with three occupants. As they approached the vessel with their emergency blue lights on, they witnessed movement on the vessel and two fish were thrown overboard. They observed two red snapper floating alongside the vessel. A resource inspection also located a Spanish mackerel fillet. The appropriate enforcement action and citations were issued.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officers Roberson and Hutchinson were patrolling the Escambia River when they observed two subjects on a vessel near the bank of the river. After watching the vessel, the officers approached and contacted both subjects. The officers observed untagged bush hooks, live game fish and a flathead catfish in the vessel. Further investigation revealed the subjects had set out several bush hooks earlier in the evening and had baited one of the lines with a live gamefish. The subjects were both issued citations for possessing untagged bush hooks and for using gamefish as bait on bush hooks.
Officer Ramos patrolled the Blackwater River concentrating on public safety in the congested waterway. He conducted two separate Boating Under the Influence (BUI) investigations resulting in the arrest of each impaired operator and transport to the county jail. Officer Ramos contacted 50 vessels and issued 30 boating warnings or citations to boaters. Common violations included insufficient number of personal flotation devices (PFD), operators on personal watercraft not wearing a PFD, and infants on a vessel without a PFD. Various other safety, registration and restricted area violations were also addressed.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Motorcycle Burns After Crash In Bratt That Injured Two
July 31, 2020
Two people were reportedly injured in a single motorcycle crash in Bratt Thursday night.
The wreck was reported about 8:30 p.m. on Still Road about a mile north of Gobbler Road.
A passerby found the wreckage burning in a ditch and evidence of injuries, but no one around. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded, extinguished the fire and searched the area for a victim.
It was later learned that two people on the motorcycle had been taken by private vehicle to Jay Hospital; one was reportedly in serious condition.
The Florida Highway Patrol investigated and has not released details. Escambia County EMS also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With Burglary Of A Church
July 31, 2020
A Cantonment man has been charged with stealing from an Escambia County church.
Jeffrey Sheriff, 39, is charged with burglary, grand theft and criminal mischief with property damage of $1,000 or more. All of the charges are felonies.
He allegedly broke into the Apostolic Global Church in Pensacola and stole a computer. Sheriff told deputies that he bought the computer from some he met in an alley behind the church, according to an arrest report.
Sheriff remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $15,000.
Escambia School District Approves New School Year Calendar
July 31, 2020
With the delay of the first day of school to August 24, the Escambia County School Board has approved a new calendar for the 2020-2021 school year.
The highlights are below, or click here for a printable pdf.
First Semester/First Nine-Week Grading Period
- August 17 – First day for teachers.
- August 21 – First day for Education Support staff members.
- August 24 – First day for students.
- September 7, Labor Day Holiday– All schools and offices will be closed.
October 27 – Last day of the first nine-week grading period.
- Second Nine-week Grading Period
- November 11, Veteran’s Day Holiday– All schools and offices will be closed.
- November 23 – 25, Fall Holiday – Teachers, students, 10-month and 11-month employees do not work these days.
- November 26 & 27 – Thanksgiving Holiday – All schools and offices will be closed. All students and staff will be off.
- December 21, 2020 to January 1, 2021, Winter Break and Holidays – All schools and offices are closed.
- January 4, 2021 – First day back for school staff and teachers.
- January 5, 2021 – First day back for students.
- January 15, 2021 – Last day of the second nine-week grading period and first semester.
Second Semester/Third Nine-Week Grading Period
- January 18, 2021, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – All schools and offices will be closed.
- March 15-19 – Spring Break – All students, teachers, 10-month and 11-month employees are off. Schools will be closed. District offices will be open.
- March 26, 2021 – Last day for the third nine-week grading period.
Fourth Nine-Week Grading Period
- April 2, 2021 – Teacher Work Day/Non-student day.
- May 31, 2021, Memorial Day – All schools and offices will be closed.
- June 2, 2021 – Last day for students, last day of the fourth nine-week grading period and the second semester.
- June 4, 2021 – Last day for teachers and 10-month employees.
Fowler Avenue Closure North Of Nine Mile Extended For A Week
July 31, 2020
Due to rain and utility conflicts this week, the closure of Fowler Avenue at Nine Mile Road has been expended an additional week to Friday, August 7.
Fowler Avenue lane closure that began on Tuesday, July 21 will be extended an additional seven days from Friday, July 31 to Friday, August 7.
The roadway was first closed July 21. Traffic is being e detoured to West Nine & Half Mile Road and Cove Avenue. Detour signs and variable message boards are in place to alert drivers of the temporary road closure and detour routes.
Child Rape Suspect Arrested In Atmore
July 31, 2020
A child sex abuse suspect was arrested in Atmore Thursday.
On February 7, the Bay Minette Police Department was made aware of a sex abuse allegation by a parent of a child under 12-years of age. Through the course of their investigation officers were able to determine that 29-year-old Corneise Colins Payne of Bay Minette had forceable sex with a minor child under 12 years of age, according to Bay Minette Police.
Investigators developed sufficient probable cause to obtain an arrest warrant for the charge of rape 1st degree on July 17.
Payne was arrested on the outstanding warrant Thursday and transported to the Baldwin County Jail.
Further details on the case were not released.
Deadline Extended For Santa Rosa Parents To Choose Regular School, Virtual Or Remote Learning
July 31, 2020
The Santa Rosa County School District has extended the deadline for parents to make a student learning option selection.
Parent are able to choose from Brick & Mortar, Fulltime Virtual and Remote Learning options for their child. The deadline to make a choice is August 7.
Make a selection by clicking or tapping here. For more information or assistance, contact the child’s local school. More information on each choice is also below.
BRICK & MORTAR
- Full semester commitment.
- Student returns to zoned school or approved reassignment.
- Face-to-Face instruction.
- Enhanced Health and Safety precautions aligned with local health department and CDC guidelines.
- Face coverings will be required.
- Middle school hybrid schedule of five Brick and Mortar face-to-face courses and one off-campus virtual course through Santa Rosa Online is available. School Counselors can schedule this.
- High School hybrid schedule of at least one Brick and Mortar face-to-face course and up to five off-campus virtual courses through Santa Rosa Online are available. School Counselors can schedule this.
- We will not be able to mix Brick and Mortar face to face with Remote Learning courses, except for co-curricular courses, i.e., Band, Chorus, Drama, ROTC and Sports PE.
FULL-TIME VIRTUAL
- Full semester commitment.
- Santa Rosa Online teacher.
- Courses may include live lessons.
- Parent will be learning coach.
- Students should be self-motivated and independent learners.
- Flexible class schedule.
- Students may participate in athletics and co-curricular activities, i.e., Band, Chorus, Drama, ROTC and Sports PE, at their zoned school.
- Courses delivered through Florida Virtual School, Connections Academy, or K-12 Fuel Ed.
- ESE/Gifted, 504, and ELL support services included.
- Student will need access to computer/Internet.
REMOTE LEARNING
- Full semester commitment.
- Teacher from student’s zoned school.
- Student must attend class each day at a specific time during school hours based on student schedule.
- Modified Florida Virtual School curriculum/teacher-led instruction.
- Courses will include live lessons.
- Attendance will be taken daily.
- Regular attendance and adequate progress are required.
- Limited elective opportunities.
- Pacing and rigor matches zoned brick and mortar school.
- Parent will be learning coach.
- Student will need access to computer/Internet.
- ESE/Gifted, 504, and ELL support services included.
- These courses are not intended to be delivered at the same time as a face-to-face course, but in rare occasions this may occur.
- Middle school hybrid schedule of five Remote courses and one off-campus virtual course through Santa Rosa Online is available. School Counselors can schedule this.
- High School hybrid schedule of at least one Remote course and up to five off-campus virtual courses through Santa Rosa Online is available. School Counselors can schedule this.
- Part-time Dual Enrollment courses and schedules are available.
- Mixing Brick and Mortar face-to-face and Remote courses will be difficult but not impossible. Students will attend remote courses on the same schedule as Brick and Mortar students. In order to allow for travel time from home to school and home again while attending scheduled remote classes, the student will need to enroll in at least one off-campus Virtual course through Santa Rosa Online. This will make attendance in co-curricular classes like Band, Chorus, Drama, ROTC, and Sports PE classes possible. Parents will work with school counselors to make the necessary arrangements.
- Student may participate in athletics, clubs and activities available at zoned school.
Century Town Hall Remains Closed And Cashless After Positive Employee COVID-19 Tests
July 31, 2020
The Century town hall remains closed and is cashless for utility payments after two employees tested positive for COVID-19.
The employees, both of which worked inside the town hall, went home on quarantine after notifying the town of their positive results.
Utility payments can be made in the drop box next to the drive-up window. Only checks or money orders are accepted, no cash.
Credit card payments can be made by phone or the drive-thru window only on Wednesday, August 5 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. August 5 is currently the only date the drive- thru window will be open and the only dates credit card payments can be made by phone, but additional dates may be added as needed. No cash will be accepted at the drive-thru window.
For more information or further assistance call (850) 256-3208 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. or email kgodwin@centuryflorida.us or hhawkins@centuryflorida.us.
SEC Establishes New Conference-Only Football Start Date
July 30, 2020
The Southeastern Conference has established September 26 as the new kickoff for its 2020 football season to allow its universities to focus on the healthy return of their campus communities and the gradual re-introduction of athletics, as the 14 members of the SEC continue to monitor developments related to COVID-19, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey announced Thursday.
The 2020 SEC football season will be comprised of a 10-game Conference-only schedule and the SEC Football Championship Game will be played December 19 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, rescheduled from the original date of December 5. The schedule will include one mid-season open date for each school and an open date on December 12 for all schools.
“This new plan for a football schedule is consistent with the educational goals of our universities to allow for the safe and orderly return to campus of their student populations and to provide a healthy learning environment during these unique circumstances presented by the COVID-19 virus,” Sankey said. “This new schedule supports the safety measures that are being taken by each of our institutions to ensure the health of our campus communities.”
This action was taken following extensive discussions and thorough deliberation among the SEC’s Presidents and Chancellors, Athletics Directors, Conference Office staff, and medical advisors, led by the SEC’s Return to Activity and Medical Guidance Task Force.
“After careful consideration of the public health indicators in our region and following advice of our medical advisors, we have determined that this is the best course of action to prepare for a safe and healthy return to competition for SEC student-athletes, coaches and others associated with our sports programs,” said Sankey.
The decision to limit competition to Conference-only opponents and rescheduling the SEC Championship Game is based on the need for maximum flexibility in making any necessary scheduling adjustments while reacting to developments around the pandemic and continued advice from medical professionals.
“We believe these schedule adjustments offer the best opportunity to complete a full season by giving us the ability to adapt to the fluid nature of the virus and the flexibility to adjust schedules as necessary if disruptions occur,” Sankey said. “It is regrettable that some of our traditional non-conference rivalries cannot take place in 2020 under this plan, but these are unique, and hopefully temporary, circumstances that call for unconventional measures.”
The rescheduled start to the season will allow the SEC to continue to monitor health trends across its 11-state footprint, as well as monitor developments in technology around mitigation and treatment of the virus, including:
- Trends in public health indicators throughout the SEC’s 11-state footprint, including positive cases of COVID-19, hospitalizations and recovery statistics
- State, local and campus heath directives, including restrictions on gatherings, isolation requirements for travelers, and other health and travel restrictions
- Continued development of risk mitigation strategies
- Continued advancement in COVID-19 testing reliability and availability
- Continued evolution of time-based strategies for resuming activities after positive test results, including contact tracing, isolation and quarantine requirements
- Observation of successes and challenges presented by return to competition in other sports
A revised schedule for the 2020 SEC football season will be announced at a later date following approval by the Conference’s athletics directors.
Further decisions regarding safety standards related to athletics events, tailgating and other game day activities, including social distancing, face covering and other health measures consistent with CDC, state and local guidelines, will be announced at a later date.
Other notes related to the resumption of competition:
- The SEC announced in July that the sports of men’s and women’s cross country, soccer and volleyball would be postponed through at least August 31. Start dates and schedules for those sports, as well as sports in their non-traditional seasons during the fall, will be announced at a later date.
- The SEC announced in July that student-athletes in all sports who elect to not participate in intercollegiate athletics during the fall 2020 academic semester because of health and/or safety concerns related to COVID-19 will continue to have their scholarships honored by their university and will remain in good standing with their team.
- The SEC’s Return to Activity and Medical Guidance Task Force continues to meet on policies and procedures for the safe return of student-athletes to competition, including the development of comprehensive testing and reporting policies, building on the NCAA’s Resocialization of College Sports Guidelines.
- Each athletics program has been engaged in evaluating best practices for game operations to prepare a safe environment for student-athletes, coaches, staff, officials and other individuals necessary to conduct games.