Mincy's Taxi is open for business in Century to transport
The fact that the town of Century is lacking local taxi service and offers rides through the Escambia County Area Transit System (ECATS) only to Pensacola three times a day prompted long time Century resident Helen Mincy to go back into the transportation and taxi business for the second time.
"I've had a business like this before, for eight years," said Mincy. " I delviered two babies on the side of the road at different times."
Mincy said she first went shopping for a van and went to Milton and Mobile, but said she didn't find anything, or they didn't make or couldn't get what she wanted.
"They only had white vans, I didnt want a white van," said Mincy. "I wanted a black van with some specials on it, like a low-running board to ease entrance for the elderly was."
She said the van came with a few other bells and whistles and has great air conditioning in the top and bottom, for great comfort.
"It's a well put together van and even has a back-up camera," she said. "I've done other work, but I have always been my own entrepreneur. I have talked to many of Century's residents, and I know they need me."
Mincy earned income with real estate in the form of five cottages located on the street where she lives, Mincy's Court.
"The 2016 tornado took my livelihood away," said Mincy. "But the storm took them, so this is the only ways of bringing income to myself."
From 1987 until 2004, Mincy had two vehicles running local and long distance.
Mincy said business was very good back then. She said the railroad company CSX kept her busy, as well as surrounding medical facilities that needed transportation for their patients. Her business was booming, until tragedy struck her personal life, with the death of one and then both of her children, but she straightened her shoulders and carried on, strong as ever.
"Ive got problems, but they don't really hamper me from doing things," she said. "I needed a job first of all. I couldn't find one, so I made one. Century is in bad need of transportation, so I'm hoping the county will work with me on this project."
Mincy said she will take sick people to the doctor, amputees who need assistant, and anyone else who needs transportation.
"I invite anyone to give me a call, I am ready and able to go anywhere, day of night, and I can haul up to 14 people," said Mincy.
Mincy special ordered a 2018 Ford van that was originally located in China. The vehicle finally arrived in Atlanta the week before July 4.
"I've been working on this for six months," said Mincy. "It took that long to get all of it through. They called me the day after July 4 and told me someone had dropped it off. World of Ford in Pensacola got it for me and it took six months. They did work with me, but it just took a long time."
Mincy said there's no limit on long trips, she's transported to Mobile and Montgomery in the past with no problems.
"My first priority is my customers," said Mincy. "It's always my interest to make them happy and keep them comfortable. My aim is truly to make my service available to Century. They need me. I've spoken with several people and they need it. For the sick people up here who are not able to pay, the state or county will have to pick up the tab. If anyone wants me to go anyplace, I will. I am looking forward to serving the residents of Century, whenever and wherever. I've always been an active person, doing my own thing. I can charge trip or mileage."
To arrange for transportation with Mincy's Taxi, contact 850-501-9177 or 850-206-9907 anytime.
