Common Core “Officially Eradicated” From Florida, State BOE Says; New Standards Unveiled
February 8, 2020
On Friday, the Florida Department of Education released the proposed Florida B.E.S.T. (Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking) Standards for Florida schools, and announced that Common Core has been officially eradicated from Florida classrooms.
Last month, FGov. Ron DeSantis announced the new set of education standards to replace common core, including a requirement that students meet literacy standards based upon their grade level, learn cursive and study the Constitution.
The plan outline includes several major points:
- Eliminate Common Core (Florida Standards) and ensure we return to the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic.
- Provide a roadmap to make Florida’s standards number one in the nation.
- Reflect the Commissioner’s consultation with relevant stakeholders to include parents and teachers.
- Deem how to increase the quality of instructional curriculum.
- Suggest innovative ways to streamline testing.
- Equip high school graduates with a sufficient knowledge of America’s civics, particularly as reflected in the Constitution.
- Outline a pathway for Florida to be the most literate state in the nation.
“Florida has officially eliminated Common Core. I truly think this is a great next step for students, teachers, and parents,” DeSantis said Friday. “We’ve developed clear and concise expectations for students at every grade level and allow teachers the opportunity to do what they love most – inspire young Floridians to achieve their greatest potential. These standards create pathways for students that lead to great college and professional outcomes and parents will now be able to reinforce what their children are learn in the classroom every day. Florida’s B.E.S.T. Standards were made by Florida teachers for Florida students, and I know they will be a model for the rest of the nation.”
B.E.S.T. will remove “confusing/crazy math”, provide targeted instruction for students who struggle with reading, reinforce the the basics of arithmetic before students enter middle school and develop a plan with the goal of reducing the total amount of time students spend testing as well as reducing the total questions on assessments.
The U.S. Constitution will be introduced in the fifth grade under the B.E.S.T. Standards. All high school students will be required to take the Florida Civics Literacy Test. Financial literacy will taught in high school, unlike Common Core that did not teach the basics like balancing a checkbook.
B.E.S.T. Standards will replace state tests with the SAT or ACT, better aligning testing for college readiness.
“Governor DeSantis made it very clear that we had to reimagine the pathway to young Floridians becoming great citizens, and we’ve done exactly that with the B.E.S.T. Standards,” said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. “Florida will be the first state in the nation with an ELA booklist that spans grades K-12, the first state in the nation with a civics booklist embedded in its ELA standards, and a state that has dropped the crazy math. Florida has completely removed ourselves from the confines of Common Core.”
Corcoran is recommending that the State Board of Education formally adopt these standards February 12.
The Florida B.E.S.T. Standards are posted at fldoe.org/standardsreview.
Middle 40s Saturday Night, Sunny And Nice For Sunday
February 8, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. North wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 68. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Monday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 7am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 7am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 7am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 62. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 7pm. Cloudy, with a low around 61. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 68. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 49. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.
Saturday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 62.
Man Charged With Vehicular Homicide, DUI Manslaughter March 2019 Fatal Crash
February 8, 2020
After a 11-month investigation, a Santa Rosa County man has been charged with in a fatal crash last year.
Dustin Riley Broxson, 28, lost control on I-1o in Santa Rosa County on March 1, 2019.. His passenger, 21-year old Nykolis Darrin Parodi was ejected and died from his injuries.
Broxson has now been charged with vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter. He was located in Okaloosa County by the FHP’s Contraband Unit and taken into custody.
Flood Warning For The Escambia River
February 8, 2020
A flood warning is in effect for the Escambia River near Century until at least Monday afternoon.
The flood stage was at about 16 feet early Saturday morning. Flood stage is 17 feet, and the river is expected to continue to rise to about 17.5 feet by Sunday morning.
At 17 feet, considerable flooding of lowlands occurs.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Tate Soccer Defeats Navarre 1-0 In Semis, Will Face Niceville Tonight For District Title
February 8, 2020
The Tate Aggies defeated the Navarre Raiders 1-0 Friday night in the semifinals of the District 6A playoffs.
The only score of the match was by senior Matt Johnson.
The Tate Aggies will play again Saturday night at 6:00 Ashton Brosnaham Stadium against Niceville High for the District 6A championship.
Okaloosa Prosecutor Running For State Attorney, Seeks To Replace Bill Eddins
February 8, 2020
Ginger Bowden Madden has entered the race for the First Judicial Circuit State Attorney. Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille is also running, and has been endorsed by retiring State Attorney Bill Eddins.
Madden has served as an assistant state attorney for over 25 years prosecuting cases in every division of criminal court–circuit, county, and juvenile court. She currently supervises assistant prosecutors serving in county and juvenile courts.
“I’m so excited to begin this new phase of public service, by putting my name before the voters and earning their trust to lead this critically important office,” said Madden. “Our police, sheriffs’ offices, and other first responders do a magnificent job as our first line of defense. It is the State Attorney’s responsibility to see that work through to its proper conclusion, to put dangerous criminals behind bars and keep our neighborhoods safe.”
She is the daughter of retired Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden.
Marcille has served as the chief assistant state attorney for Eddins since he took office 15 years ago. Eddins will remain in office through the completion of his term at the end of the year.
Florida’s First Judicial Circuit includes Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.
Sara “Tiny” Waters
February 8, 2020
Mrs. Sara “Tiny” Waters, age 66, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2020 in Atmore, Alabama.
Mrs. Waters was a native of Atmore, AL and had resided in the Century and Flomaton area for most of her life. She was a member of the Gospel Light Temple Church. She is preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, James Earl Waters; parents, Thomas and Jewell Hanks; daughter, Kim Sims; two brothers, Thomas Hanks and Kenneth Hanks and two sisters, Genene Baggett and Mary Griffis.
She is survived by one son, Jamie Waters of Flomaton, AL; one daughter, Ashley Lee of Flomaton, AL; two sisters, Glenda Averett of Atmore, AL and Elizabeth Johnson of Atmore, AL; numerous grandchildren, two special grandsons, Ryder Lee and Brayden Lee and two great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 10:00 AM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Bobby Carnley officiating.
Burial will follow at the Godwin Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 7, 2020 from 6 to 8 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Dak Sims, Wade Harris, Jamie Waters, Johnny Griffis, Jon Jon Griffis and Sammy Portwood.
Honorary Pallbearer will be Travis Moye.
Robert N. Fournier
February 8, 2020
Robert N. Fournier went home to be with his Heavenly Father Jesus Christ Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at the age of 84. He passed away peacefully with his wife at his bedside at their resident in Cantonment, FL.
Bob was born January 10, 1936, in St. Petersburg, FL.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Nelson and Iris Fournier; grandmother, Ina Lingle who he loved dearly; brother; Richard E. Fournier; son, Bobby; and stepson, Terry Snelson.
Bob is survived by his wife, Fran, of 33+ years; step daughter, Teresa Kelly; eight grandchildren, Jesse Snelson (Austina), Janna Rubbert (Dan), Johanna Clark (Cayleb), and Jared and Jamie Snelson, Nick Snelson (Bailie), Lukas Snelson (Michelle), Sydney Spears (Jessie), and Nathan Phillips; four great grandchildren, Lauren Snelson, Gioia and Anthony Snelson, and Aeliana Spears; and sister-in-law, Joann Reeves.
Bob joined the Navy in 1954 serving his Country proudly for 20 years. After retiring from the Navy he worked for the Navy through Civil Service stationed at Whiting Field, Saufley Field and Barren Field.
He was an avid Ham Radio (WA4UTP) Operator, sending messages to missionaries around the world. During his stay in Morocco, he worked at missionaries’ Pig Farms on the weekends. Wherever Bob was stationed he got involved in a local church or helped start a church.
Bob loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was very devoted to his daily prayer time and daily bible study. He served his Lord faithfully. He was a very godly and giving man.
Pallbearers are Jesse Snelson, Lukas Snelson, Warren Duncan, Ronnie Golloher, Dennis Norton, Nathan Phillips, and Nicholas Snelson.
Visitation will be Friday, February 7, 2020 at 4PM at Faith Chapel North. A Celebration of Bob’s life will follow at 5PM with Reverend Mike Faircloth officiating. Burial will be Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 2PM at Pensacola Memorial Gardens with Military Honors with Mr. Bill Lewis officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Covenant Care Hospice, 5041 North 12th. Ave., Pensacola, FL.
A very special thanks to family, friends and Covenant Care Staff, employees and volunteers you were there when I needed you. Marty, Samantha, Lori, Jan, Bill, Chaplains, Jose’ and Dean.
Angela Findley
February 8, 2020
Mrs. Angela Findley, age 64, passed away Sunday, February 9, 2020 in Pensacola, Florida.
Mrs. Findley was a native and former resident of Louisiana and had resided in Century, FL for the past 38 years. She was a 25 year employee of Century Pharmacy and an honorary member of the Sisters on the Fly. She was of the Baptist Faith. She is preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Deanna Aucoin and granddaughter, Nickole Lowery.
She is survived by one son, Blaine (Tamara) Findley of Century, FL; one daughter, Amanda (Clint) Lowery of Century, FL; three brothers, Kirk (Darlene) Aucoin of Bayou Vista, LA, Wayne (Jennie) Aucoin of Bayou Vista, LA and Brian (Joan) Aucoin of Locust Grove, GA; two sisters, Shelly Scott of Mobile, AL and Lisa Latorre of Alexandria, LA; six grandchildren, Clay, Cameron, Ethan, Makayla, Lexi and Kyle and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 13, 2020 at 7:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Nathan Brown officiating.
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 13, 2020 from 6:00 PM until service time at 7:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Hartung Sentenced To Life in Prison For Triple Murder
February 7, 2020
Donald Hartung will spend the rest of this life in prison. He was sentenced Friday afternoon to three consecutive life sentences.
Hartung, 63, was convicted last week on three counts of first degree premeditated murder of his mother, 77-year old Voncile Smith and two half-brothers, 47-year old John Smith,and 49-year old Richard Smith.
Prosecutors said Hartung was intentionally left out of his mother’s will with everything set to go to John and Richard Smith. The state said the inheritance was Hartung’s motivation, and the only way he would collect any cash would be to kill all three.
The state had sought the death penalty in the case, but the jury did not unanimously agree.