Edna Merle Floyd
November 7, 2010
Edna Merle Floyd, 66 of Jay, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 4, 2010. She was a member of Jay Assembly of God Church.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, J.B. Lewis and Merline Strength; grandson, Joshua R. McNac; brothers, Willie Joe Lewis, Ray Lewis; and nephews; Ken Lewis and Ricky Still.
She is survived by her husband and best friend, Curt Floyd; 3 daughters; Terri (John) Hallman, Cindy (Jon) Smith, Kristy (Gary) McMillan; 3 grandchildren, Joslyn Trahan, Jessica McNac, Zachary McMillan; 2 great grandchildren; Joshua Trahan, Harmony Trahan; 2 sisters; Mary Haigler and Faye (Carl) Still.
In lieu of flowers make donations to Covenant Hospice, 5041 N. 9th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32504 and The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in Edna’s memory.
Visitation will be 6-8 pm, Sunday, November 7, 2010 at Lewis Funeral Home, Milton Chapel. Funeral service will be 2:00 pm, Monday, November 8, 2010 at Lewis Funeral Home Milton Chapel.
Caught on Video: Candidate And Wife Charged With Stealing Campaign Signs
November 7, 2010
A former candidate and his wife will face criminal charges for the theft of political signs belonging to newly elected District 1 State Representative Doug Broxson.
Gregory Brown, Jr. and his wife Jennifer were each charged with one count of petit theft. Both have entered into a pretrial diversion program and will be required to complete 50 hours of public service and write a letter of apology to Broxson.
In July, the Browns were caught on video as they removed campaign signs belonging to opponent Broxson from an intersection near Milton. Greg Brown maintained that the signs were on private property where he had permission to remove them.
An investigation later determined that the signs were on public right of way along Highway 87, not far from Whiting Field. Florida State Attorney Glenn Hess said there was insufficient evidence to charge Doug Broxson or his son Jason Broxson with placing the signs on the right of way because there was no evidence who actually placed the signs and when that occurred.
Hess also determined that there was no violation of Florida law when Jason Broxon used a night vision camera to video the Browns during the theft. The State Attorney’s Office said there is no expectation of privacy in conversations that take place on the public right of way.
“The video in question was deliberately taken and distributed to appear as if I had participated in some type of juvenile campaign trick.” Brown said in July. “After witnessing me removing the signs, as I had permission to do, rather than call the property owner or myself, Doug Broxson’s campaign anonymously dropped off the video with press, email lists, and the Sheriff’s department to discredit me.”
The video has sound, with Brown and his wife caught speaking. The volume of the conversation is very low; however, text superimposed on the video suggest what is being said.
“Is that good?” the video alleges that Jennifer Brown said after removing signs.
“Wait…your fingerprints are still on the ones laying down,” the video claims Brown responded.
Broxson defeated Brown in the primaries and went on to win the House seat during the November general election. The State Attorney’s Office delayed any charges in the case until after the election to avoid any impact on the political process.
Pictured top: This still frame from a night vision video camera shows Florida House candidate Greg Brown and his wife Jennifer removing an opponent’s campaign signs from Highway 87 near Milton. The video is below.
Walnut Hill Fire Honors Firemen, Community Members During Fish Fry
November 7, 2010
The Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department honored members of the community and the department during their annual fish fry Saturday.
The Officer of the Year Award was presented to Diann Stewart, who has given “a lot of blood, sweat and tears to the department and stayed in the department while taking care of her family in an exceptional way,” according to District Chief Chris Brown.
Gerry Steege was named Firefighter of the Year, an award chosen by his peers.
Founding members Vern Peters and Bob Mininger were recognized for their part in forming the fire department in 1965.
Saturday’s fish fry marked the 41st annual event for the department, with 613 fish and chicken plates sold.
The Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department also presented their annual Community Service Award to NorthEscambia.com for service to the Walnut Hill community and the department.
Pictured top: Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department firefighter Chad Rigby breads catfish Saturday morning during the department’s annual catfish fry. Picture inset: Diann Stewart was named Officer of the Year. Pictured below: Gerry Streege was named Firefighter of the Year. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
County Road Grader Stolen; Road Heavily Damaged
November 7, 2010
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after someone took a county road grader on a short ride and heavily damaged a road Saturday night.
The grader, which was parked at Arthur Brown Road and Pineville Road, was stolen sometime before 9 p.m. Saturday. The thief was apparently unable to properly operate the piece of heavy equipment. The blade was dropped onto Arthur Brown Road, digging up full lane’s width of asphalt. The grader was then taken a short distance north on Pineville Road where it became stuck when the driver ran the wheels up onto a small embankment, burying the blade in the dirt road.
Deputies said the thief could face felony charges in connection with the incident.
The Escambia County Road Department was called to the scene to remove the stuck grader and make temporary repairs to the road.
The intersection of Arthur Brown Road and Pineville Road is an extremely rural area, about seven miles west of Walnut Hill.
Pictured top and below: A stolen Escambia County road grader became stuck on Pineville Road Saturday night. Picture inset: A section of Arthur Brown Road was destroyed by the blade on the road grader. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Did You Remember To Fall Back? Daylight Savings Time Is Over
November 7, 2010
Did you remember to “fall back”? Daylight savings ended early this morning. Pictured above: The clock at the Escambia County Bank in Flomaton is one of the largest clocks in the area. Bank officials say the clock is rather easy to “fall back”; it is all electronic. NorthEscambia.com photo.
Gulf Power Offers Money, Energy Saving Cold Weather Tips
November 7, 2010
As colder weather descends on the Gulf Coast, Gulf Power offers tips to stay warm and conserve energy.
Things you can do to save money and energy
- Set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower to conserve energy. For every degree below 68 you set your thermostat, you’ll save 8 percent on your heating costs.
- Don’t use your oven to heat your home — it’s not efficient and most importantly, it’s very dangerous.
- A fireplace is not always an efficient heat source. If not used properly it can actually make the rest of the house cooler because airflow up the chimney removes the heated air. When using the fireplace, close all doors and warm air ducts to the room where the fireplace is located. Glass doors on a fireplace will reduce the outflow of warm air. And a fireplace with a blower system is ever better because it actually blows the warm air around the firebox back into the room.
- An electric blanket is more economical than heating the entire house all night long.
- Use a portable electric heater to heat only a small area. Buy models that are thermostatically controlled. Keep it at least three feet from items that could catch fire like curtains or furniture. Make sure you have working smoke detectors on every floor and in every sleeping room of your house.
- Make sure vents and return air registers are not blocked by furniture, draperies, doors or other obstacles.
Things you can do to prepare your home for the whole winter season.
Temperature settings
Heating a house makes up about half of your electricity bill so set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower in the winter. Did you know that you can decrease the amount of energy you buy for heating by 8 percent or more for every degree below 68 degrees you set your thermostat?
Programmable thermostats are a good investment, or you can take advantage of Gulf Power’s Energy Select. Energy Select is Gulf Power’s advanced energy management program that offers a lower price for electricity 87 percent of the time. Energy Select features a programmable thermostat and a special rate of four price periods based upon time of day, day of week and season. Installation and meter-based surge protection are both free with Energy Select. Only $4.95 per month.
Heating and cooling equipment
The system heating the home is extremely important. If it’s an older, less efficient unit, upgrading to a geothermal heating and cooling system — or a high efficiency air-source heat pump may be a wise choice. Contact Gulf Power at 1-877-655-4001 for a free Energy Check-Up.
- Routine maintenance — A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently. A complete tune-up of the home heating system can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 and more, but this is a very worthwhile investment and can reduce your heating bill from 3 to 10 percent. Some companies offer regular service contracts, which are a convenience if you tend to forget system maintenance. Remember to replace the filter every month.
- Ductwork — Duct leakage can account for 20 percent of the heating and cooling cost. Getting ducts sealed up should be at the top of the list for making your home energy efficient.
Insulation
- Adding insulation to your attic is one of the most cost-effective energy saving measures. Different types of insulation material have different R-values. The recommended level is R-38 in the attic.
Weather-stripping and caulking
- Weather-strip door jambs and caulk any cracks around windows to prevent cool air from entering your home.
Window units
- If you have a window air conditioning unit, remove it for the winter months to prevent heat from escaping through and around the unit. If it can’t be moved, put a cover over it to prevent drafts.
Humidifier
- Use a humidifier to keep your home more comfortable. Adding moisture allows you to reduce the thermostat setting without feeling colder.
Other tips are available on the Energy Tips section at www.gulfpower.com, along with an extensive set of Frequently Asked Questions on energy use in the home.
Video: Northview Beats Vernon
November 7, 2010
Here are video highlights by Keith Garrison from Northview’s win Friday night over Vernon.
For game details, click here for the NorthEscambia.com story. For a photo gallery, click here.
(If you don’t see the video, it is because a firewall setting at your home, work or school firewall or computer is blocking YouTube videos.)
Featured Recipe: Steak Parmesan With Grilled Vegetables
November 7, 2010
This weekend’s featured recipe from Janet Tharpe is a Steak Parmesan with Grilled Vegetables. Fire up the grill, because this will be an instant hit at your next tailgate party. This dish’s blend of Parmesan, spices and a smoky-grilled flavor will score a real touchdown.
To print today’s “Just a Pinch” recipe column, you can click the image below to load a printable pdf with a recipe card.
In Depth: Senate President On Fla. Legislature’s Right Turn, And More
November 7, 2010
Incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos reaffirmed Friday that the newly elected, more conservative Florida Legislature will primarily set its sights on creating jobs, cutting regulations and reducing lawsuits.
But he’ll also give a green light to lawmakers seeking stricter abortion laws and other social changes, the Merritt Island Republican said.
“I feel that the Senate was not as conservative as it should be,” said Haridopolos, arguing that Tuesday’s election sweep by Republicans gives the Legislature a clear mandate to continue moving to the right.
With Republicans capturing two new seats in the Senate and five in the House – building veto-proof, two-thirds majorities – political moderation is out the window, although the new leader said he continued to plan to work with Democrats and give party members a significant role on committees.
“The overall body was moderate,” Haridopolos said of the pre-Tuesday Senate. “It was very sympathetic to unions, very sympathetic to trial lawyers, very sympathetic to the idea that big government maybe doesn’t need to go on a diet…I think you’re seeing right now the most conservative Senate…in your history.”
In a wide-ranging sitdown with reporters, Haridopolos framed Florida’s two-year future, in which he said he’ll team with incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, and Gov.-elect Rick Scott to revive the state’s gasping economy with an injection of conservative policies.
On jobs:
“Our goal is to produce two basic items: Increase predictability and certainty. Predictability that there’s not going to be a new tax or new regulation that’s going to limit job opportunities in this state. That certainty will then, I think, come….When we send that very clear message that we’re open for business, it will attract those people who didn’t come here in years past.”
While Scott has talked about creating 700,000 jobs in Florida over the next seven years, Haridopolos said his own job-creation benchmark isn’t set. But lowering the state’s almost 12 percent unemployment rate is a logical measurement, he said.
On immigration reform:
“If we choose to go this direction, we’re going to create a Florida-style plan that works for Florida. Arizona’s a different state.”
On cutting prison spending:
“One of the things we are openly looking at is means-testing prisoners. If they qualify for Medicaid, let them in. If they are really wealthy, make them pay. We are looking at all options.”
Haridopolos also said that he would be looking for pay and benefits concessions from the state’s correctional officers’ union, the Police Benevolent Association, which backed losing Democrat Alex Sink in the governor’s race. “We all saw the ads in the campaign,” Haridopolos said. “They clearly didn’t want Rick Scott. Rick Scott won.”
On the Department of Management Services:
Haridopolos stands by his demand that DMS Secretary Linda South quit, in the wake of a Sink audit of lavish spending at the new First District Court of Appeal building. “If she’s choosing not to resign, the Governor is (working on transition) in Fort Lauderdale and the good news is that we’ll have a new person at DMS.”
On state government and its workforce:
“Do what every business is doing across this state and say, `how do we right-size our organization? Can you consolidate? Can you do things better? I think there’s prime opportunity for it.”
On using stimulus money for energy programs after attacking it in campaigns:
“Consumers are in a spot where they were being told they would receive a $1,500 rebate…we felt that was the best policy. We have about a $2.5-$3 billion shortfall…I think it’d be a fair argument that we’re facing more challenges that have been handed down to us from Washington.”
On reviving teacher-tenure ending, merit-pay legislation:
“There’s a lot of misconceptions about it….We’ve got to get this right because teachers are so important to us. We’re going to take our time…we’re going to have a thoughtful discussion. Have two or three or four committee meetings, whatever it takes….Let’s have a full debate on it.”
On supporting Nebraska-style abortion limits
“If this bill is pursued by a member, it will be given the normal committee structure and it will have to work through it, and get an up or down vote. But what I can promise you is that where my focus is, and where Dean’s and Rick’s is, is on the economy. Folks who have all kinds of social issues, can work through the process. If you can get it through the process, you’ll get an up or down vote…I want us to make fact-based decisions.”
On supporting Rick Scott, after backing his defeated primary opponent
“I’ve known Bill McCollum for over 10 years, and when he chose to run for governor, I supported him….But when I get behind someone…I go whole hog for them. I think that’s why I became Senate president….When the voters spoke on Election Day, that’s where the voters are, and I supported the nominee….We all share the same philosophy he espoused on the campaign trail And now we all have the opportunity to lead.”
On outgoing Gov. Charlie Crist
“I’m not going to get into Charlie Crist. I’d be happy to talk about the elections and a good night for our team. Charlie Crist has been our governor, he’ll no longer be our governor in a couple of months. It’s not that interesting to me.”
By John Kennedy
The News Service Florida
Police Officer Shoots Man During Murder Investigation
November 6, 2010
A Pensacola Police officer is on paid administrative leave after he was involved in a shooting incident early Saturday morning.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the murder at 100 East Texar Street, near the School District’s Hall Center, about 3:15 Saturday morning.
According to witnesses who were on Texar Drive at the time of the incident, the victim was traveling on Texar when someone in dark colored vehicle fired several shots into the victim’s Buick Lacrosse. The victim, identified as Joel R. Harris, 20, of Pensacola, crashed into a concrete support on a pedestrian overpass. Harris was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Officer Justin Roedel was in the area of Davis Street and Texar Drive around 3:30 a.m. assisting the Sheriff’s Office for suspects involved in the homicide when he tried to contact occupants of a maroon Chevrolet truck in a parking lot at Davis and Baars streets, one of the occupants fled on foot. Roedel chased the male through a grass lot between Leonard and Baars streets to Sixth Avenue where the suspect ran behind a large oak tree.
Rodel pursued the suspect around the tree and when he reached him, the suspect was pointing a handgun at him. Rodel fired several rounds and struck the suspect, who was taken to a local hospital for treatment, according to a news release from Pensacola Police,
The suspect was later identified as Anthony Michael Smith, 22, of 1725 Dauphine St., Pensacola. He was listed in critical condition Saturday afternoon.
Soon after Smith arrived at the hospital, two bags of marijuana fell out of one of his pants pockets while he was undergoing treatment. Smith will be charged with aggravated assault with a firearm on a law enforcement officer and additional charges are pending, according to PPD.
As Roedel chased Smith, the other occupants in the truck fled the scene with the vehicle and have not yet been identified.
Roedel, 26, has been employed by the Pensacola Police Department since December 2008. He was not injured in the shooting.
In addition to an internal department review of the incident, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement also is conducting an investigation. No additional information will be released by Pensacola Police until the FDLE investigation concludes.
The Sheriff’s Office, in a written statement, said the Pensacola Police shooting was not believed to be related to the homicide on Texar Drive.