Click It Or Ticket Seat Belt Crackdown Underway
May 24, 2011
Law enforcement agencies across the state are teaming up for a two-week crackdown on motorists that don’t buckle up.
The Escambia and Santa Rosa sheriff’s offices, along with the Florida Highway Patrol will take part in the “Click It or Ticket” campaign.
During the mobilization, officers will be cracking down on motorists who fail to wear their seat belts – both day and night. Seatbelt non-usage is a primary violation and motorists may be stopped for not buckling up as their only offense, according to Sena Madison, a spokesperson for the Escambia Sheriff’s Office.
Local and national law enforcement officers and highway safety advocates all across the country are joining together for the 2011 national Click It or Ticket safety belt enforcement May 23 to June 5.
Florida law requires all drivers and occupants in the front seat of a vehicle to fasten their safety belt. Occupants under the age of 18, regardless of where they sit in a vehicle, also must buckle up. Safety belts have long been proven to save lives and reduce injuries when worn properly during a vehicle crash. Motorists cited for failure to buckle up face a non-moving violation that carries a $30 base fine, plus court costs if convicted.
Florida achieved a record high last year when the safety belt usage rate climbed to reach 87.4 percent, following the 2010 Click It or Ticket campaign.
Pictured above and below: Just two days after a seat belt usage crackdown began in Escambia County earlier this year, this motorist was stopped on Highway 97 after an Escambia County deputy observed him not wearing a seat belt. In an ironic twist, the bumper sticker on the truck states “Buckle Up! Or Pay Up!”. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Florida Ag Boss Says School Vending Machines Too Sweet
May 19, 2011
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam said Wednesday he may shut down or restrict the use of vending machines in public schools in response to what he says is a public health epidemic of obesity that left unchecked will cost the state millions in health care costs.
Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Putnam said he hopes Gov. Rick Scott will assist him in that endeavor by signing into law a proposal (SB 1312) to transfer the oversight of school nutritional programs to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
The bill was passed by both chambers but has yet to be presented to Gov. Rick Scott.
With obesity on the rise, Putnam believes the bill will give him the authority to place tighter constraints on what schools offer students to eat and drink. Such oversight includes school lunch menus and private vending companies that vie for access to the relatively captive audience.
Charles Van Kilgore
May 18, 2011
Mr. Charles Van Kilgore, age 70, passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at his Flomaton residence.
Graveside funeral services for Mr. Kilgore will be held on Friday, May 20, 2011, at 10 a.m. at Green Acres Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be held at Craver’s Funeral Home on Thursday from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Escambia Man Gets Life In Prison For 1996 Murder
May 6, 2011
An Escambia County man was sentenced to life in prison Thursday by Judge Jan Shackelford.
Kevin Jordan was convicted April 21 of first degree murder by an Escambia County Jury for the shooting death of Samuel Palmer in 1996. Palmer was shot and killed during a botched robbery attempt at a home on Luke Street near Catholic High School.
The case remained unsolved until 2005 when information surfaced that Kevin Jordan was involved, according to State Attorney Bill Eddins. In 2009, the Jordan confessed that he was involved in the attempted robbery of Palmer, however he claimed he was not the actual shooter. Jordan told investigators that Allen English fired the shot that killed Palmer. Allen English died in federal prison in 1999.
Jordan had previously been convicted on 20 felony offenses.
Century Sawmill Day Details
May 6, 2011
Here are details on the Century Sawmill Day and Car Show as provided by the organizers:
Sawmill Day and Car Show
Historical Park, corner of Jefferson Avenue and 4th Street
8:30 am until 4 pm
For more info, call Jerry Fischer at (850) 256-3980.
Entertainment
Marcia Johnston – Native American Flute Player
Blakely White – Violin/Fiddle Player and Singer
Danielle Scott – 13 Year Old Singer
Southern Pride Dancers from Atmore
Bobby Holland, Henry and Daniel Leonard – Musical Renditions
Holley Driver – Singer
Campfire Girls – Singing
Featuring Buddy Bell with his Silver Eagle Band – Country, Bluegrass
Vendors and Exhibits, Arts and Crafts
Angie Pierce – Jewelry and Purses
Art Giberson – Author
Brewton Quilting Club
Bruce Buford – Frontier Equipment and Indian Artifacts
D&J Imports
Flomaton Railroad Museum
Granny’s Goodies – Candied Apples
Janice Moore
Jerry Fischer, Jr. and Kent Callaway – Bottle Collectors
John Peacock – Crafted Wooden toys
Judson Carden – Civil War Artifacts
Julie Thornton and Roger Williams – Honeybees
Kevin McKinley and the Sons of Confederate Veterans
Marcia Johnston – Native American Culture
Nathan Chessher – Native American Culture and Artifacts
Nettie’s Artist Work
Noah’s Ark Display
Patrick Salter – Ornamental Iron
Roy Moore – Small Furniture
Sandy Marsh – Scentsy Candles
Scott Hillman – Ham Radio Exhibit
Sew & Sew Club of McDavid
Teresa Hendrix – Artist
United Daughters of the Confederacy
Wayne Cook – Old timey buggies
Winston Burnham – Flint napping demonstrations
Other Featured Items and Events:
Barbecue and drinks by Alger-Sullivan
Booth worked by Barnie Jones and his Whippersnappers
1776 Reenactors
Northview ROTC
Atmore VFW
Pam Wood Fiebig – MC
Car Show – late models through antiques – we expect a variety of
entries – public is invited to cast their votes for the favorites to
select the top four places. Register before 11 a.m. the day of the
show. Awards at 2 pm.
UPDATED: Woman Shot At Hwy 29 Convenience Store; North Escambia Man Questioned
May 1, 2011
(Updated 3:30 p.m.) A woman was shot outside a Highway 29 convenience store this morning, and a North Escambia man is been questioned as a suspect.
Jennifer E. Gilbert, 22, of Pensacola, was shot outside the Circle K and Wendy’s on Highway 29 at Kingsfield Road just after 9 a.m. She was shot in the head while seated in her car. Gilbert reportedly did not work at the store or restaurant.
Reports early Sunday afternoon indicated that Gilbert had died, but a press release issued by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office mid-afternoon Sunday indicated that she remained in critical condition.
Sheriff’s investigators are questioning 30-year old Isreal Marell Taylor of Bateson Lane, Cantonment, as a suspect in the case, according to the Sheriff’s Office news release.
More details will be posted when they are released by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Pictured above: A female was shot at the Circle K at Highway 29 and Kingsfield Road Sunday morning. NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Video: Century Town Council January 3, 2011
January 4, 2011
NorthEscambia.com exclusive video from the Century Town Council meeting, January 3, 2011.
Obama Back To School Speech
September 14, 2010
Remarks of President Barack Obama -As Prepared for Delivery – Back to School Speech
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
September 14, 2010
As Prepared for Delivery—
Hello Philadelphia! It’s wonderful to be here. Today is about welcoming all of you and all of America’s students back to school – and I can’t think of a better place to do it than Masterman. You’re one of the best schools in Philadelphia – a leader in helping students succeed in the classroom. And just last week, you were recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School for your record of achievement. That’s a testament to everyone here – students and parents, teachers and school leaders. And it’s an example of excellence I hope communities across America embrace.
Over the past few weeks, Michelle and I have been getting Sasha and Malia ready for school. And I bet a lot of you are feeling the same way they’re feeling. You’re a little sad to see the summer go, but you’re also excited about the possibilities of a new year. The possibilities of building new friendships and strengthening old ones. Of joining a school club, or trying out for a team. The possibilities of growing into a better student, and a better person, and making your family proud.
But I know some of you may also be nervous about starting a new school year. Maybe you’re making the jump from elementary to middle school, or from middle to high school, and worried about what that’ll be like. Maybe you’re starting a new school, and not sure how you’ll like it. Or maybe you’re a senior who’s feeling anxious about the whole college process; about where to apply and whether you can afford to go.
And beyond all these concerns, I know a lot of you are also feeling the strain of these difficult times. You know what’s going on in the news and your own family’s lives. You read about the war in Afghanistan. You hear about the recession we’ve been through. You see it in your parents’ faces and sense it in their voice.
A lot of you are having to act a lot older than you are; to be strong for your family while your brother or sister is serving overseas; to look after younger siblings while your mom works that second shift; to take on a part-time job while your dad is out of work.
It’s a lot to handle; it’s more than you should have to handle. And it may make you wonder at times what your own future will look like; whether you’ll be able to succeed in school; whether you should set your sights a little lower, and scale back your dreams.
But here is what I came to Masterman to tell you: nobody gets to write your destiny but you. Your future is in your hands. Your life is what you make of it. And nothing – absolutely nothing – is beyond your reach. So long as you’re willing to dream big. So long as you’re willing to work hard. So long as you’re willing to stay focused on your education.
That last part is absolutely essential – because an education has never been more important. I’m sure there will be times in the months ahead when you’re staying up late cramming for a test, or dragging yourselves out of bed on a rainy morning, and wondering if it’s all worth it. Let me tell you, there is no question about it. Nothing will have as great an impact on your success in life as your education.
More and more, the kinds of opportunities that are open to you will be determined by how far you go in school. In other words, the farther you go in school, the farther you’ll go in life. And at a time when other countries are competing with us like never before; when students around the world are working harder than ever, and doing better than ever; your success in school will also help determine America’s success in the 21st century.
So, you have an obligation to yourselves, and America has an obligation to you to make sure you’re getting the best education possible. And making sure you get that kind of education is going to take all of us working hand-in-hand.
It will take all of us in government – from Harrisburg to Washington – doing our part to prepare our students, all of them, for success in the classroom, in college, and in a career. It will take an outstanding principal and outstanding teachers like the ones here at Masterman; teachers who go above and beyond for their students. And it will take parents who are committed to your education.
That’s what we have to do for you. That’s our responsibility. That’s our job. But here’s your job. Showing up to school on time. Paying attention in class. Doing your homework. Studying for exams. Staying out of trouble. That kind of discipline and drive – that kind of hard work – is absolutely essential for success.
I know – because I didn’t always have it. I wasn’t always the best student when I was younger; I made my share of mistakes. In fact, I can still remember a conversation I had with my mother in high school, when I was about the age of some of you here today. It was about how my grades were slipping, how I hadn’t even started my college applications, how I was acting, as she put it, “casual” about my future. It’s a conversation I suspect will sound familiar to some of the students and parents here today.
And my attitude was what I imagine every teenager’s attitude is in a conversation like that. I was like, I don’t need to hear all this. So, I started to say that, and she just cut me right off. You can’t just sit around, she said, waiting for luck to see you through. She said I could get into any school in the country if I just put in a little effort. Then she gave me a hard look and added, “Remember what that’s like? Effort?”
It was pretty jolting, hearing my mother say that. But eventually, her words had their intended effect. I got serious about my studies. I made an effort. And I began to see my grades – and my prospects – improve. And I know that if hard work could make the difference for me, it can make the difference for you, too.
I know some of you may be skeptical about that. You may wonder if some people are just better at certain things. And it’s true that we each have our own gifts and talents we need to discover and nurture. But just because you’re not the best at something today doesn’t mean you can’t be tomorrow. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a math person or as a science person – you can still excel in those subjects if you’re willing to make the effort. And you may find out you have talents you’d never dreamed of.
You see, excelling in school or in life isn’t mainly about being smarter than everybody else. It’s about working harder than everybody else. Don’t avoid new challenges – seek them out, step out of your comfort zone, and don’t be afraid to ask for help; your teachers and family are there to guide you. Don’t feel discouraged or give up if you don’t succeed at something – try it again, and learn from your mistakes. Don’t feel threatened if your friends are doing well; be proud of them, and see what lessons you can draw from what they’re doing right.
That’s the kind of culture of excellence you promote here at Masterman; and that’s the kind of excellence we need to promote in all America’s schools. That’s why today, I’m announcing our second Commencement Challenge. If your school is the winner; if you show us how teachers, students, and parents are working together to prepare your kids for college and a career; if you show us how you’re giving back to your community and our country – I’ll congratulate you in person by speaking at your commencement.
But the truth is, an education is about more than getting into a good college or getting a good job when you graduate. It’s about giving each and every one of us the chance to fulfill our promise; to be the best version of ourselves we can be. And part of what that means is treating others the way we want to be treated – with kindness and respect.
Now, I know that doesn’t always happen. Especially not in middle or high school. Being a teenager isn’t easy. It’s a time when we’re wrestling with a lot of things. When I was your age, I was wrestling with questions about who I was; about what it meant to be the son of a white mother and a black father, and not having that father in my life. Some of you may be working through your own questions right now, and coming to terms with what makes you different.
And I know that figuring all that out can be even more difficult when you’ve got bullies in class who try to use those differences to pick on you or poke fun at you; to make you feel bad about yourself. In some places, the problem is more serious. There are neighborhoods in my hometown of Chicago, where kids have hurt one another. And the same thing has happened here in Philly.
So, what I want to say to you today – what I want all of you to take away from my speech – is that life is precious, and part of its beauty lies in its diversity. We shouldn’t be embarrassed by the things that make us different. We should be proud of them. Because it’s the things that make us different that make us who we are. And the strength and character of this country have always come from our ability to recognize ourselves in one another, no matter who we are, or where we come from, what we look like, or what abilities or disabilities we have.
I was reminded of that idea the other day when I read a letter from Tamerria Robinson, an 11-year old girl in Georgia. She told me about how hard she works, and about all the community service she does with her brother. And she wrote, “I try to achieve my dreams and help others do the same.” “That,” she wrote, “is how the world should work.”
I agree with Tamerria. That is how the world should work. Yes, we need to work hard. Yes, we need to take responsibility for our own education. Yes, we need to take responsibility for our own lives. But what makes us who we are is that here, in this country, we not only reach for our own dreams, we help others do the same. This is a country that gives all its daughters and all its sons a fair chance. A chance to make the most of their lives. A chance to fulfill their God-given potential.
And I’m absolutely confident that if all our students – here at Masterman, and across this country – keep doing their part; if you keep working hard, and focusing on your education; if you keep fighting for your dreams and if all of us help you reach them; then not only will you succeed this year, and for the rest of your lives, but America will succeed in the 21st century. Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.
Back To School Info: School Lunch Menus
August 22, 2010
Here are the lunch menus for the first week of school in Escambia County:
(For middle and high school menus, scroll down the page.)
Elementary
Monday, Aug 23
Pop Tart
Cheese Wedge
Mixed Fruit
Mandarin Chicken
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Sticky Rice
Broccoli
Peaches
Tuesday, August 24
Breakfast Pizza
Pears
Chicken Alfredo
Corn Dog
Fresh Fruit
Garden Salad
French Bread
Wednesday, August 25
Cereal
Sausage Patty
Mandarin Oranges
Fried Chicken
Country Fried Steak
Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans
Cornbread
Jello
Thursday, August 26
Chicken Biscuit
Applesauce
Taco Salad
Cheeseburger
Fresh Fruit
Green Peas
Fruit Juice Slush
Friday, August 27
Pancakes w/Syrup
Sausage Link
Peaches
Chili Fiesta Sticks
Pepperoni Pizza
Chef Salad w/ Crackers
Mixed Fruit
Corn
Middle/High Featured Specials
Monday, August 23
Chicken Alfredo
Classic Chicken Tender Salad
Corn Dogs
Tuesday, August 24
Chicken Potato Bowl
Beef Teriyaki Wrap
Cheeseburger
Wednesday, August 25
Fried Chicken
Chef Salad
Pizza
Thursday, August 26
Country Fried Steak
Cobb Salad
Popcorn Chicken
Friday, August 27
Teriyaki Chicken
Chicken Snack Wrap
Chili Fiesta Sticks
Back To School Info: School Start Times
August 22, 2010
School start and end times are the same this year at Escambia County Schools.
- Elementary: The earliest drop time for students will be 7:20. School will begin at 7:45 and will dismiss at 2:00. The North Escambia area elementary schools — Bratt, Byrneville, Molino Park and Jim Allen — will all follow this schedule. The 7:45 to 2:00 day is the standard elementary day in Escambia County. On early release days, students will be dismissed at 11:00.
- Middle School: Ernest Ward will begin the school day at 9:05 and dismiss at 3:45. The earliest students can be dropped off at school will be 8:55. Ransom Middle School, will follow the standard 9:20 to 4:00 school day with drop off time of 9:05. On early release days, Ernest Ward will dismiss at 12:35 while Ransom will dismiss at 12:50.
- High School: Northview High School will have an 8:30 drop time, and an 8:45 to 3:20 school day. Early release time will be 12:10. Tate High School will have an 8:30 to 3:05 day. Morning drop time will be 8:15. Early release time for Tate will be 12:00.
- For a detailed list of start and dismissal times for all Escambia District Schools, click here (pdf).