Local Government & Politics
Escambia County Approves Century FL Property Tax Reconveyance for Hecker Road Home
Escambia County commissioners approved returning a Century home to its heirs after the family paid delinquent taxes and fees. The decision halts eviction and completes a property tax reconveyance for the Hecker Road residence, restoring clear legal title.
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CENTURY, Fla. — Escambia County leaders returned a local family home to its heirs on Thursday. The commission vote concluded years of tax uncertainty for the Century household. In their regular meeting, commissioners voted to rescind an earlier surplus land declaration. Therefore, the commission authorized the chair to execute a deed returning title to the family.
What Led to the Escambia County Tax Reconveyance at 511 Hecker Road?
An Escambia County tax reconveyance restores real property to former owners who pay delinquent tax liabilities. For the residence at 511 Hecker Road in Century, commissioners approved the transfer after the family satisfied every back tax obligation. The payment covered municipal liens and county administrative fees. Consequently, the county relinquished all municipal claims against the residential parcel.
The home originally belonged to the late mother of Shawanda Poindexter and her siblings. However, ad valorem property taxes went unpaid for seven consecutive years. No third party bought tax certificates at auction. Thus, the land escheated to Escambia County on January 7, 2021. That administrative transfer zeroed out the county tax roll balance. At that time, the Escambia County Tax Collector calculated the delinquent balance at ,516.71. This balance included unpaid base taxes, accrued interest, and county penalties.
How Does Florida Law Treat a Century FL Escheated Property?
Florida law allows a Century FL escheated property to return to its original owners through specific statutory relief. When family members commit to paying back taxes, local boards can halt eviction proceedings. State law lets heirs settle delinquent taxes directly. In addition, the process waives certain auction penalties to keep families housed.
State law outlines a precise redemption pathway for former homestead properties. However, heirs must still pay all underlying county taxes and municipal liens. In this case, the family agreed to cover all remaining administrative fees. They also assumed full responsibility for recording costs tied to the deed transfer. Meanwhile, county staff verified that every statutory requirement was met before drafting the reconveyance document.
What Did the Escambia County Commission Century Property Decision Require?
The Escambia County Commission Century property decision required formal board approval to reverse a prior surplus land designation. County staff verified that the family satisfied all outstanding municipal obligations before scheduling the vote. Next, commissioners authorized the commission chair to sign the legal transfer deed. This action restored clear title to the family.
The legal dispute began more than five years ago. On April 22, 2021, commissioners declared the Hecker Road parcel surplus property. The board then directed the County Attorney’s Office to start eviction proceedings. Officials planned to remove occupants and abandoned vehicles. Furthermore, they prepared the parcel for public auction.
Yet Shawanda Poindexter quickly intervened to protect her childhood home. She addressed the Board of County Commissioners on May 6, 2021. In her remarks, she represented herself, Latoya Redmond, Lalita Simpson, Amber Redmond, and the heirs of Earwin Newton.
“Give me time to pay this so me and my siblings can redeem the property please,” Poindexter told commissioners.
District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry immediately supported giving the family time to pay.
“There is a clear defined process through statute that they have the ability to square up what was owed,” Barry said. “I know the board has no intent of evicting people from property if they are willing to catch everything up.”
County Attorney Alison Rogers and Tax Collector Scott Lunsford guided the administrative process. In January 2026, Poindexter notified Rogers that the family secured the necessary funds. County staff confirmed full payment by September 2026. Therefore, commissioners formally approved the resolution on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
When Did Key Milestones Occur in the Hecker Road Case?
The property resolution followed several documented county actions between 2021 and 2026. County commissioners and staff worked alongside the family to return the parcel to private hands. Official public records detail how the heirs systematically satisfied the tax debt. Their actions prevented a public auction and preserved the home.
- January 7, 2021: The residential parcel escheated to Escambia County after seven years of unpaid property taxes.
- April 22, 2021: County commissioners designated the property as surplus land and authorized eviction proceedings.
- May 6, 2021: The commission paused eviction actions following a public appeal by Shawanda Poindexter.
- January 2026: The heirs notified the County Attorney’s Office that they had assembled the funds.
- September 10, 2026: Commissioners voted to rescind the surplus order and execute the reconveyance deed.
Why it matters
Private property ownership forms the foundation of strong Northwest Florida communities. When taxes go unpaid, counties must enforce collection rules to maintain vital public services. However, tax deed sales can displace generational residents and disrupt local neighborhoods. Escambia County balanced fiscal duty with community stability in this Century case.
The outcome protected local taxpayers by ensuring complete recovery of delinquent tax revenue. Meanwhile, the family retained their inherited home through persistent effort and personal accountability. Commissioner Barry and county leaders proved that statutes can offer common-sense relief. As a result, 511 Hecker Road remains in family hands while county accounts stand fully settled.
Sources
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
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