Ernest Ward FFA Sells Five Tons Of Sweet Potatoes
November 19, 2011
Members of the Ernest Ward Middle School FFA sold over five tons of sweet potatoes as a fund raiser. The 20-pound bags of Baldwin County sweet potatoes were delivered to the students on Friday to deliver to their supporters.
Funds from the Ernest Ward Middle School FFA’s annual sweet potato sale are used to support group activities during the year.
Pictured top: Just some of the five tons of sweet potatoes sold by the Ernest Ward Middle School FFA during their fall sale. Pictured below: The top seller sold 75 bags of red and white sweet potatoes, about three-quarters of a ton. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Jobless Rate Falls Across Area
November 19, 2011
The latest job numbers released Friday showed a sharp decrease in unemployment across the three-county North Escambia area.
Escambia County’s unemployment fell half a percentage point from 10.4 percent in September to October’s 9.9 percent. There were 932 jobs gained during the period, for a total Escambia County unemployment of 13,835 people. One year ago, unemployment in Escambia County was 10.6 percent.
Santa Rosa County unemployment decreased— from 9.2 percent in September to 8.7 percent in October. Santa Rosa County gained 489 jobs during the period, with a total of 6,183 persons still unemployed. The year-ago unemployment rate in Santa Rosa County was 9.5 percent.
Escambia County, Alabama, experienced a sharp drop in unemployment — from 11.3 percent in September to 10.2 percent in October. Escambia, Alabama, gained 182 jobs during the month-long period, with 1,502 people out of work. The year-go unemployment rate was 10.3 percent.
Florida’s unemployment rate in October fell to 10.3 percent, its lowest level in 28 months, continuing a long, slow recovery.
The good news is that job growth continues. Non-agricultural employment grew by 9,500 jobs in October from the previous month, bringing to 93,900 the number of jobs created over the past year, a 1.3 percent increase compared to a national boost of 1.2 percent, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity reported Friday.
But the jobless rate remains stubbornly in double digits, and above the rest of the nation. A backlog of foreclosure cases and a glut of existing housing stock is hampering recovery in a state that has historically been reliant on the construction sector.
Despite continuing woes in construction, the jobless rate took a 0.3 percentage point dip from September and was more than a point lower than the 11.8 percent posted in October 2010. The national unemployment rate for October was 9 percent.
Friday’s announcement was hailed by Gov. Rick Scott and business leaders as the latest sign that Florida is getting back on its economic feet. Scott said Friday that even though unemployment has continued to remain above 10 percent all year, the state has created more jobs than any other in the nation, and that he thinks the state has been successful in tackling its biggest challenge.
“We’ve had a great year,” Scott said.
Alabama
Alabama’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped by half of a percentage point to 9.3 percent, down from September’s 9.8 percent. October’s rate represents 201,296 unemployed persons, down from 211,132 last month. This is the fourth consecutive month Alabama’s unemployment rate has decreased.
“The drop in Alabama’s unemployment rate is certainly good news for our state,” said Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley. “While we are still a long way from reaching full employment, October’s decline shows positive momentum for our state as we continue our mission to put Alabamians back to work.”
Escambia Wreck Claims One Life
November 18, 2011
The Florida Highway Patrol said 58-year old Carolyn Jones of Pensacola died in a three vehicle wreck about 8:15 this morning in Escambia County.
Jones was southbound on Lillian Highway near Lazy Acres Street when she cross into the northbound lanes for an unknown reason. She first struck an unknown vehicle that left the scene without stopping. Then, Jones’ 2005 Chevrolet van struck a 2006 Mack dump truck driven by 52-year old Roger Fuller of Pensacola. Fuller, who troopers said swerved and attempted to avoid the crash, received minor injuries.
Woman Charged After Running Red Light, Causing 3-Vehicle Hwy 29 Crash
November 18, 2011
A Cantonment woman was charged after running a red light and causing a three-vehicle crash this morning on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
The accident happened about 7:30 a.m. at Highway 29 and Tate School Road. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 20-year old Kayla E. Sparkman was southbound on Highway 29 when she failed to stop at a red light and collided with a Nissan Maxima driven by Katie M. Middleton, 64, of Pensacola, and a Kia Sorento driven by Carolyn C. Walker of Cantonment.
Sparkman’s 1999 Jeep Cherokee then overturned on the shoulder of Highway 29. She received minor injuries. Middle was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital with minor injuries. Walker received minor injuries while a passenger in her vehicle, 4-year old Essan Atiabi of Cantonment, was not injured.
Sparkman was charged with failure to stop at a traffic signal and not wearing a seat belt, according to the FHP.
FWC Officers Seize Deer Meat, Firearms, Charges Could Be Filed
November 18, 2011
Charges are expected to be filed against at least two people after officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission seized illegally taken deer meat and firearms from a home in Bratt.
FWC officers received information Wednesday that a firearm was used to the kill the deer, according to Stan Kirkland, FWC spokesperson. It is currently archery season (and crossbow on private property), and firearm use is not permitted for deer until November 23.
Witnesses told officers that two adult brothers had gone hunting and several shots were heard. When questioned, the two brothers admitted to shooting three deer — a doe and two yearlings — with a firearm, Kirkland said. Officers located the remains of the deer behind a residence on York Road, off North Pine Barren Road just east of Northview High School.
FWC officers also seized a 12-gauge shotgun and a .30-06 rifle from the home.
According to Kirkland, warrants are expected to be issued against the two brothers for a variety of charges, including using a firearm during archery season, taking over the bag limit, and taking by illegal methods.
A juvenile at the home also admitted to shooting and wounding a deer that was killed the following day, Kirkland said. A rifle and deer meat related to that incident were also seized.
Pictured: FWC Officers watch a home on York Road in Bratt before seizing deer meat and firearms. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Passes Panhandling Ordinance
November 18, 2011
The Escambia County Commission Thursday night passed a new ordinance that prohibits panhandling or other activities in medians.
The “Roadway Safety Ordinance” forbids stopping or standing in a paved or unpaved median unless lawfully crossing the road. That makes panhandling, hawking newspapers, fundraising for non-profits and other means of conducting or soliciting illegal from a median.
The ordinance passed the commission on a 3-2 vote, with Kevin White, Wilson Robertson and Gene Valentino voting in favor, and Grover Robinson and Marie Young opposed. The ordinance will take effect in about 10 days.
Violators can face a fine of up to $500 or up to 60 days in the county jail.
Playoff Time: Northview, West Florida, Flomaton At Home Tonight
November 18, 2011
Are you ready for some football? It will be a big night on both side of the state line tonight with playoff action across the area.
Wewahitchka at Northview (1-A)
It’s the second straight postseason appearance for the Northview Chiefs, but there are two major differences this year. The odometer was rolling fast and furious for the Chiefs last year with playoff games on the road; this year Northview is home for the regional finals tonight and, with a win, will be home again. The only road trip would be to Orlando for the state championship game. It’s also the first year of the new rural division, eliminating the chance of playing against big city private schools.
Tonight, the District 1-1A champ Chiefs will host District 2-1A runnerup Wewahitckha in the seventh-ever playoff appearance for Northview. Game time is 7:30 tonight; admission is $8 with no passes.
Northview got the Chief spirit going Thursday night with a huge pep rally, bonfire and tree-rolling. For a photo gallery, click here.
Tallahassee Godby at West Florida (1-5A)
It’s been dream season for the West Florida Jaguars. At 9-1, it was by far the best-ever season in the school’s history Tonight, Tallahasse Godby comes to town as the Jags look to keep the dream alive in the first round of the playoffs — the second-ever playoff appearance for West Florida. The game kicks off at 7:30 at Woodham Middle School.
Elba at Flomaton (Ala. 2A)
There’s a big storm brewing just north of the state line tonight as the 11-1 Flomaton Hurricanes host Elba in round three of the playoffs — the first quarterfinal game very played in Flomaton. Both teams are coming off big wins last week — Flomaton 51-7 over Goshen and Elba 59-20 over Vincent. The word on the street is this will be the biggest night in Flomaton’s history as practically the entire town will drown the stadium in a sea of green and white.
Elba’s ranked No. 1 in the state; Flomaton sits at No. 6. The ‘Canes only loss was 14-13 to defending state champs Leroy.
Other area playoff games:
- Choctawhatchee at Pensacola High, 7:30 p.m.
- Gulf Breeze at Wakulla, 7:30 p.m.
- Pace at Niceville, 7:30 p.m.
Pictured top: Chief fans roll trees at Northview High School Thursday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
New Members Appointed To Escambia Extension Council
November 18, 2011
New members have been appointed to the Escambia County Extension Council.
Appointed for a two year term were:
Marck Casson of McDavid, small farm producer
Vernon Hiebert of Walnut Hill, catfish farm owner
Charles Woodward of Molino, retired from USDA Farm Service Agency
Carol Tanksley, associate professor UWF
Reappointed for two year terms were:
Debbie Looney of Pensacola, scientist Northwest Fla. Water Management District
Julie Sackman of Pensacola, self employed writer, 4-H volunteer
Northview, Ernest Ward Cross Country Teams Honored (With Gallery)
November 18, 2011
Northview High School held their annual cross country banquet Thursday night, along with the first-ever cross country team from Ernest Ward Middle School.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The following awards were presented:
Northview High School
- Most Valuable Runner (MVR) Female: Georgia Goetter
- Most Valuable Runner (MVR) Male: Isaac McGahan
- Most Improved Female: Ashley Joiner
- Most Improved Male: Joshua Borelli
- Jim Ross Memorial Award: Aaron Raush
- Junmi Ross Award: Alanna Johnson
- Coaches’ Award: Zacarra Davis
Ernest Ward Middle School
- Most Valuable Runner (MVR) Female: Bethany Reynolds
- Most Valuable Runner (MVR) Male: Zachary Calloway
Most Improved Female: Jessica Barrows - Most Improved Male: Logan Calloway
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured top: The Northview High School Cross Country team. Pictured below: The first-ever Ernest Ward Middle School Cross Country team. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Groups File Suit Against DOC Over Censorship Of Prison Mail
November 18, 2011
The ACLU of Florida and the Florida Justice Institution filed a lawsuit Thursday challenging what the organizations say is “censorship” by the Department of Corrections.
The suit challenges the agency’s decision to block delivery of Prison Legal News, a publication covering legal issues in regards to prisons, because of advertisements for things like pen-pal services. The lawsuit on behalf of the publication was filed in a federal court in Miami.
“Government can’t censor material just because it doesn’t like what’s being published in the material — in this case, advertisements for pen-pal services,” said ACLU of Florida executive director Howard Simon. “Just because our client provides legal information for people who are incarcerated doesn’t mean they forfeit their constitutional rights.”
By The News Service of Florida