Photo Gallery: Northview Band And Dance Team; West Florida Band
November 12, 2011
For a photo gallery of the Northview and West Florida High School bands from Friday night, along with the Northview dance team, click here.
Pictured top: The Northview High School band. Pictured inset: The West Florida High School band. Pictured below: The Northview dance team. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Perdido School Honors Veterans
November 12, 2011
Over 100 veterans and family members attended the annual Salute to Veterans at Perdido Elementary/Middle School.
Submitted by Perdido Elementary/Middle School
The annual event began with veterans and their guests being greeted at their cars and assisted by the members of Perdido’s football team. Once they reached the front of the gym, Pre-K and Kindergarten students welcomed them with cheers, flags, pom-poms and pin-wheels. Members of Alabama’s Patriot Guard stood at attention as all of the guests entered.
Inside, the Escambia County High School NJROTC posted the colors. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Perdido Cub Scouts; Mason Smith, JT Clay and Christopher Johnson. This was followed by the playing of the “Star Spangled Banner by the Perdido Band, under the direction of Ms. Melanie Brannon. The band also performed “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful”. Special guests; Alabama Representatives, Alan Baker and Harry Shiver, Dr. Barry Booth – South Alabama Honor Flight Director, members of the Atmore VFW, and American Legion, members of the Alabama Patriot Guard, and Major Arthur Byrne, representing the Baldwin County Sheriffs Department and were recognized by Principal, Craig Smith, The Perdido Chorus, under the direction of Mrs. Dell Edwards sang, “Blue, Red and White,” and “Alabama”.
Perdido Middle School students have participated in the annual Patriots Pen Essay Contest for the past six years, and the top three students shared theirs. Those students were: Evan Williams, Ashley Presley and Tori Clark. Their essays have been submitted to the Atmore VFA, where they will compete against other middle school students throughout the area.
Guest speaker, retired Major Gaston Jones, challenged and inspired students, teachers and Veterans alike, as he shared of his experiences from: growing up in a military family, to playing football at Marion Military Institute. He then pursued a full-time military career until his retirement as a Chaplin in the United States Air Force. He is currently the Commander of the AFJROTC at Baldwin County School.
A special presentation was made to the family of Lance Cpl Bruce Ferrell, Jr. USMC. Representative Baker spoke of the dedication and sacrifice made by the former Perdido student, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States, on August 10, 2009, with his life. He then presented the family with the Alabama State Flag and the United States Flag which was flown over the Capital in memory of Lance Cpl Ferrell.
Closing remarks were given by Assistant Principal Ms. Karen Dyess and were followed by the playing of “Taps” by Perdido students Corbin Hill and Wesley Rabren.
Everyone then enjoyed a reception held in honor of those men and women who faithfully served the United States, our veterans.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show Today, Saturday
November 11, 2011
The Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, will close the 2011 season at their annual Homecoming Air Show aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola Saturday
Prior to the world famous Blue Angels F/A 18 Hornet performances, the Blues’ C-130 Hercules transport known as “Fat Albert” will thrill the crowd with its short field take-off and low level passes.
Other military performers include the F/A Super Hornet Tactical Demonstration Team from the “Gladiators” of VFA-106, and an incredible mock fire power demonstration by an Air Force A-10 Warthog.
The Panhandle Parachute Demonstration team will make a jump above the show and Training Air Wing SIX will feature a fly-by of training aircraft.
Tentatively scheduled for both days will be extraordinary aerobatics by performers such as Jan Collmer flying the Fina Extra 300L, David Martin will pilot his Brietling CAP 232, and Skip Stewart will amaze the crowd in his highly modified Pitts S-25. Bob Carlton will maneuver his Super Salto jet sailplane overhead and Bill Leff will excite everyone with the roar of a radial engine in his T-6 Texan.
A replica of the first aircraft to take off from a ship, the Ely-Curtis Pusher will take to the air and numerous warbird aircraft will perform. Otto the helicopter will amaze everyone with his antics and family-oriented entertainment and the Geico Skytypers will fly their six WWII vintage SNJ-2s as they deliver aerial messages to the crowd. Always a Pensacola favorite; Kent Shockley will have everyone standing as he roars down the runway in the 36,000 horsepower Shockwave Jet Truck.
Along with incredible flying demonstrations, more than 50 military and civilian aircraft will be on display. These static displays will include the EA-18G Growler,
a C-17 Globemaster, an A-26 Invader, an EA-6B Prowler and various other aircraft ranging from the present day, state of the art fighters to aircraft from the 1930s. In commemoration of the Centennial of Naval Aviation (CoNA); current fleet aircraft including an H-60, T-45, H-57, T-39, C-12, F-18, T-6, and T-34 will be on display with special CoNA paint schemes that represent famous Navy aircraft markings of the past.
Admission and parking for all shows is free. Areas will be reserved for the physically challenged. Food and memorabilia will be available at numerous concession stands. Pets and coolers are not permitted.
Security personnel and signs will direct spectators to parking areas near the show site.
For complete information, visit www.naspairshow.com.
Possible North Escambia Gulf Power Nuclear Plant Faces Fight
November 11, 2011
In a move spurring a regulatory fight, Gulf Power Company is seeking to collect millions of dollars from customers for a possible nuclear-power project in North Escambia.
By 2012, Gulf Power expects to finish buying 4,000 acres of land near McDavid that could eventually be home to a nuclear plant or perhaps another type of power plant.
But with state regulators scheduled to hold a hearing next month about a Gulf Power request to raise base electric rates by $93.5 million, attorneys for consumers and business groups are trying to block part of the proposal dealing with the potential nuclear site.
State Public Counsel J.R. Kelly, whose office represents consumers in utility issues, said Gulf Power does not know how it will use the site and has not gone through a regulatory process aimed at determining whether the utility has a need for another power plant.
“Bottom line, from our standpoint, is it’s so speculative,” Kelly said Thursday.
But Gulf Power spokesman Jeff Rogers said the company knows it will eventually need the land. He said the company is keeping its “options open” until forecasts show a need for developing a power plant, which could be nuclear, gas-powered or some other type of facility.
“You can’t meet the need without the very first thing in place, and that’s the property, the land,” Rogers said.
The possibility of Gulf Power pursuing a North Escambia nuclear project has drawn little statewide attention since it first became public in a NorthEscambia.com story. That is unlike plans by Florida Power & Light and Progress Energy Florida to build nuclear reactors in Miami-Dade and Levy counties. FPL and Progress are far ahead in their plans, including passing along hundreds of millions of dollars in project-related costs to customers.
But rate-case documents indicate Gulf Power started considering a nuclear project in 2007, after former Gov. Charlie Crist issued executive orders designed to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions from power plants.
Also, in 2006, the Legislature approved a law that makes it easier for utilities to recoup money from customers as nuclear projects are being developed. Lawmakers hoped the law would encourage building more nuclear plants.
The rate-case documents say Gulf Power considered more than two dozen potential sites in Northwest Florida before settling in 2008 on what is known as the North Escambia site that is bordered roughly by Bratt Road, Cox Road, Byrneville Road and Highway 29. The site is along the Escambia River, which could provide a crucial water source for a power plant, and has been owned largely by timber companies.
Crist’s push to limit emissions from facilities such as coal-fired plants has stalled in the Legislature. Also, the state’s economic woes have slowed Gulf Power’s expected growth in customer demand for electricity.
Pointing to such changes, Gulf Power official Rhonda Alexander said in written testimony that the company decided to defer moving forward with trying to get a license and permits for a nuclear-power plant. But she said it still needed to buy the land.
“Gulf had learned from its extensive site investigation that there was only one acceptable nuclear plant site in Northwest Florida,” said Alexander, who served as nuclear development manager from 2008 to 2010. “If Gulf was going to preserve the nuclear option for its customers, the North Escambia site needed to be secured by Gulf. If Gulf lost the ability to use that site, it would be precluded from building nuclear in the future.”
Gulf estimates costs related to investigating, buying and financing the site at $27.7 million. It is asking the Public Service Commission to build those costs into the utility’s rate base, which would lead to recouping the money from customers over time.
The impact on customer bills would be relatively small, totaling about $3.1 million a year, according to the company. For a residential customer who uses 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a month — a common measurement — that would translate into an increase of 26 cents.
But the Office of Public Counsel and other parties involved in the case, such as the Florida Retail Federation and the Florida Industrial Power Users Group, say Gulf Power shouldn’t be allowed to recoup the money through base rates.
Consultant Helmuth Schultz, a witness for the Office of Public Counsel, filed written testimony describing the proposal as “speculative overreaching.” In part, he said Gulf Power has not shown a need for adding a nuclear plant.
“Gulf has presented no basis on which the commission could conclude that this site could ever be used cost-effectively to benefit Gulf ratepayers,” Schultz said.
Pictured top: One of the first pieces of property purchased by Gulf Power Company for a possible North Escambia nuclear power plant. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Photos: Northview Honors Veterans
November 11, 2011
Northview High School held their annual Veterans Day Program Thursday morning.
“Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” are due to veterans, guest speaker Capt. Frank Smith, USN (Ret.) told the students. “That’s the freedom, the one precious asset that we have.”
The Byrneville Elementary and Northview High School choirs and the Northview NJROTC also took part in the program.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured top: A flag ceremony during the annual Veterans Day Program Thursday morning at Northview High School. Pictured inset: Lloyd Albritton was one of many veterans honored during the program. Pictured below: A combined Byrneville Elementury and Northview High chorus performance. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Funeral Services Held For 3 Children Killed In House Fire, Moms Still Jailed
November 11, 2011
Funeral services were held Thursday for the three children killed in an Atmore house fire last week as their mothers sat behind bars charged with their murders.
The children, 3-year old Aniyia Abner, 3-year old Takia Abner and 22-month old Michael Coleman, were laid to rest following services at the New Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Atmore.
Meanwhile, their 18-year old mothers, twin sisters Akeevia Lajoseia Abner and Tekeevia Lajoseialan Abner, remained in the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton, each charged with three counts of reckless murder.
“They showed an extreme indifference to these children’s lives and created a grave risk of death to the children by leaving them home alone on November 2, 2011,” according to a press release from Escambia County (Ala.) District Attorney Steve Billy. The children perished in a November 2 fire on 1st Street in Atmore while they were left home a alone.
The Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office said the fire was apparently caused from leaving a stove unattended. They also found that a mattress was blocking the front door of the home.
Two of the children were found dead in a hallway while the third was found in a bedroom. And prosecutors said that a mattress was blocking the living room door.
Forensics evidence determined that three young children died from smoke inhalation, authorities said.
For earlier stories about the fire, including photos from the aftermath of the fire, click here and click here.
Pictured above and below: Funeral services were held Thursday at the New Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church for the three children killed in an Atmore house fire last week. Photos courtesy Will Kennedy, WEAR TV for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Battle Of The Champs: 1A Northview Falls To 5A West Florida
November 11, 2011
In a battle between 1A and 5A district champions, the West Florida Jaguars beat the Northview Chiefs Thursday night in Pensacola, 33-20.
It was the regular season-ender for both teams — an especially historic night for the Jaguars as they finished at 9-1, the best record in the history of West Florida High School.
In the first quarter, west Florida scored first on a 16-yard Kyle Faxlanger pass to Lawrence Lee. With a good kick from Luke Jackson, the Jags were up 7-0 with 8:03 remaining in the quarter. About three minutes later, Faxlanger struck again on an 18-yard pass to Jaylen Adams. Another Jackson kick through the uprights, and West Florida held a 14-0 advantage.
The Chiefs’ Roderick Woods was in from 6-yards out with 3:44 to go in the first quarter. With a good kick from Kevin Vaughan, Northview closed West Florida’s lead to 14-7. But West Florida answered quickly with a 28-yard pass to Abrams from Faxlanger. A good Jags kick, and West Florida was still on top, 21-7.
West Florida scored again in the second quarter with 78-yard touchdown from Lee after a pass from Faxlanger.
In the third, West Florida added thee on a 35-yard field goal from Jackson, and Northview’s La’Mikal Kyles score on and 11-yard run. And in the fourth quarter, Northview scored with a 4-yard run from Woods, and West Florida added another Jackson field goal from 25-yards out.
Both teams will begin the state playoff series at 7:30 p.m. on November 18 on their respective home fields. Northview will host Wewahitchka in the regional semifinals, and West Florida will host Tallahassee Godby. Home field advantage could remain throughout the playoffs for the Chiefs until the state championship game in Orlando.
- For a photo gallery of action from the game, click here.
- For a photo gallery of the Northview and West Florida cheerleaders, click here.
- Editor’s note: The Northview and West Florida band will be featured in a photo gallery on Saturday morning.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Veterans Day Closings
November 11, 2011
The following will be closed Friday for Veterans Day:
- Escambia (Fla. & Ala.) and Santa Rosa county schools
- Escambia (Fla. & Ala.) and Santa Rosa county offices
- Jay, Milton, Pensacola, Atmore, Flomaton city offices
- U.S. Post Office — retail windows closed, no mail delivery or collection, except for Express Mail
- Florida state offices
- Federal offices
- No bus service from ECAT
- West Florida Public Libraries, including Century Branch
- Santa Rosa County libaries
- Pensacola State College
- University of West Florida
Town of Century offices will be open on Friday. There will be no change in the ECUA trash pickup, and ECUA offices are open.
Photos: Camp Fire USA Kids Join Century Care In Veterans Day Program
November 11, 2011
Covenant Hospice held a special Veterans Recognition Ceremony Thursday morning at Century Care Center. Veterans were honored for their service and presented with a pin and certificate .
Children from the Camp Fire USA Century Youth Learning Center also took part in the ceremony to recognize veterans. The children made a large “Happy Veterans Day” banner and individual cards for the veterans.
Pictured above and below: A special Veterans Recognition Ceremony Thursday morning at Century Care Center with children from the Camp Fire USA Century Youth Learning Center. Submitted photos by Pam Townson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Bratt Elementary Holds Fall Festival
November 11, 2011
The annual Fall Festival was held Thursday afternoon at Bratt Elementary School, featuring games, food and fun for the children.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Picture above: Children take part in games during the annual Fall Festival at Bratt Elementary School Thursday afternoon. Pictured below: Poarch Creek Indian dancers perform. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
