Mayor: Poarch Creek Indians Want City Land For New 5-10K Seat Arena
February 12, 2019
Atmore could be home to a 5,000 to 10,000 seat arena.
During a workshop meeting Monday afternoon, Mayor Jim Staff said the Poarch Creek Indians want to acquire city owned acreage to construct a performance arena just north of the Wind Creek Casino and Hotel. The property is located west of Highway 21 behind the Creek Smoke Shop.
Staff said the arena could be used for multiple purposes, including a music venue. He said the development would likely lead to more hotels and restaurants that would translate to jobs and boost sales tax revenue. Because it would not be located on exempt PCI reservation property, the city and county would also realize property tax revenue.
He said the current outdoor amphitheater at Wind Creek seats 2,500 people.
“That 25 hundred fills up everything we’ve got,” Staff said of local hotels.
The council took no action on the land. The deal must first be negotiated and contracts created.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Health Department: Flu Activity Mild In Escambia County
February 12, 2019
According to the latest report from the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), flu activity is increasing statewide and heightened activity is expected for several more weeks.
The report shows flu activity in Escambia County was mild reached a plateau and was mild, compared to increasing flu cases in almost tw0-thirds of Florida counties.
“It’s not too late to get your flu shot,” said FDOH-Escambia director, John J. Lanza. “Everyone over six months of age should get the flu shot, especially those with increased risk for flu-related complications.”
People with increased risk for flu-related complications include children from birth to age 5, adults age 65 and older, pregnant women, and people who have existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop protection against the flu.
Graphics: Florida Department of Health
Ernest Ward, Ransom Split Middle School Volleyball Games (With Gallery)
February 12, 2019
Ernest Ward and Ransom split wins in middle school volleyball Monday night.
In varsity action, Ransom Middle School defeated Ernest Ward 25-15, 25-11. In junior varsity play, Ernest War defeated Ransom 25-21, 24-26, 15-13.
Ernest Ward will travel to Beulah Academy of Science on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., and Ransom will travel to Beulah Middle School on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
HS Weightlifting: Northview Defeats Catholic
February 12, 2019
The Northview Boys Weightlifting team defeated Catholic, while falling to West Florida in a tri-meet Monday afternoon at West Florida.
The final score was:
West Florida 47
Northview 40
Catholic 19
Placing for the Chiefs were:
119-lb. class – Freshman Ashton Ray (3rd)
129-lb. class – Junior Trent Kite (1st)
129-lb. class – Junior Gary Clayton (4th)
139-lb. class – Sophomore Logan Bryan (1st)
154-lb. class – Senior Jarius Moorer (1st)
169-lb. class – Junior Aunterio Minor (2nd)
199-lb. class – Freshman William Swearengin (2nd)
199-lb. class – Sophomore Trevor Scott (3rd)
219-lb. class – Junior Jacob Hawkins (1st)
219-lb. class – Senior Lance McLaughlin (2nd)
238-lb. class – Junior Jojo Parker (2nd)
238-lb. class – Freshman A.J. Hasty (4th)
Heavyweight – Junior Cameron Findley (3rd)
The Chiefs return to action next Wednesday at Baker.
New Mobile Highway, Beulah Road Traffic Signal Now Active
February 12, 2019
A new traffic signal on Mobile Highway at Beulah Road was activated Tuesday morning. Officials urge drivers to use caution when approaching the new signalized intersection.
Before this morning the signal was in flash mode to acquaint motorists with the new location, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
$30K Grant Will Benefit Atmore Economic Growth Planning; Public Workshop Planned
February 12, 2019
Atmore will benefit from a $30,000 federal grant to help plan the city’s long term economic growth.
The USDA Rural Community Development Initiative Grant was awarded to Smart Growth America in Washington D.C. The grant was announced Monday at Atmore City Hall by Jerry Gehman, volunteer city advocate.
The success of Atmore and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians is intertwined, according to Smart Growth America. It will offer an opportunity for the leadership of both entities to work together to achieve a shared vision and prosperity.
Atmore is currently making critical decisions about relocating and expanding community facilities as well as identifying locations for future development. And, the historic downtown remains a “potent economic asset that it is looking to have listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Smart Growth said.
“Receiving this workshop is a testament to Atmore’s forward thinking and visionary leadership,” said John Robert Smith, senior policy advisor at Smart Growth America . “Atmore should be very proud to be included as one of just six communities across the country participating in the program. We’re excited to help them examine their economic and fiscal choices to make sound decisions for the future.”
Later this month, Smart Growth will spend two days with local leaders surveying the city. They will take a walking and driving tour to see firsthand what Atmore has to offer. They will see the airport, take a downtown walking tour, see local industry, visit the hospital, Rivercane and more.
The public is invited to offer their input at a public workshop at 6 p.m. on February 19 at the Escambia County High School Auditorium.
“They get to see us just like we are now,” said Gehman.
“This is a first for Atmore, and I am excited about the long term benefits. I encourage our citizens to participate in the community meeting,” said Atmore Mayor Jim Staff. “Learn how this effort will help us grow in both short term and long term projects.”
Smart Growth also received grants for projects for small governments in Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Maine and West Virginia
Pictured top: Jerry Gehman announces a $30,000 federal grant for economic development planning in Atmore Monday at the city hall. Pictured inset: A “Discover Atmore” mural in downtown Atmore. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Broxson Plan To Limit Attorney Fees In ‘AOB’ Cases Stalls
February 12, 2019
In what could be a glimpse of the battles to come over the heavily lobbied issue, a Senate committee Monday bottled up a proposal that would limit attorney fees in cases involving the insurance practice known as “assignment of benefits.”
The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee tabled a bill (SB 122) sponsored by Chairman Doug Broxson, R-Gulf Breeze, after it became apparent the measure would fail if brought up for a vote. Though the 2019 legislative session does not start until March 5, it was at least an initial blow to the insurance industry and other business groups pushing to limit attorney fees in so-called AOB cases.
Sen. Tom Lee, R-Thonotosassa, joined three Democrats in opposing the bill, making it impossible for Broxson to patch together a majority on the eight-member committee. Insurers and their allies argue that fee limits are needed because of an increase in AOB litigation that is driving up consumers’ property-insurance premiums.
But Lee said there are “some bad actors on both sides of the equation” and indicated he thought Broxson’s bill could end up hurting consumers who need homes repaired for such things as water damage.
“We are going to kill the patient while we try to cure the problem,” Lee said.
Sen. Keith Perry, however, said the bill “is a step in the right direction” and argued consumers will face higher insurance rates if lawmakers don’t solve the problem.
“We owe it to the working-class people of the state of Florida to do something,” Perry, R-Gainesville, said.
Assignment of benefits is a decades-old practice that has become highly controversial in in recent years. Lawmakers have repeatedly considered proposals to address the issue but have not been able to reach agreement.
In assignment of benefits, homeowners in need of repairs sign over benefits to contractors, who ultimately pursue payments from insurance companies. Insurers contend that the practice has become riddled with fraud and litigation, while plaintiffs’ attorneys and other groups say it helps make sure claims are properly paid.
Broxson’s bill focused only on attorney fees that insurance companies pay in many AOB disputes. While the bill stalled Monday — or, in legislative parlance, was temporarily postponed — it could be brought up again.
Under state law, insurance policyholders are entitled to have their attorney fees paid if they prevail in cases against insurers. In 1972, a Florida Supreme Court ruling also extended the right to recover attorney fees to people, such as contractors, who have been assigned insurance benefits, according to a Senate staff analysis.
But Broxson’s bill would have prevented continuing to extend the right to attorney fees to contractors. The staff analysis said that such a change would “make the assignment of post-loss benefits less valuable. The assignee (the person assigned the benefits) would have to pay his or her own attorney fees to enforce the insurance contract.”
Opponents of Broxson’s bill contend that assignment of benefits and the potential of litigation are needed because insurers sometimes try to avoid paying the amounts of money they should for damage claims. Sen. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, said Monday he thinks Broxson’s bill is a “nuclear option to get at a few bad people.”
Supporters of the bill, however, contend that lawyers and restoration companies have abused the assignment-of-benefits system, with the problem initially focusing on water-damage claims in South Florida. They argue the problem has moved to other parts of the state and to types of claims such as replacing vehicle windshields.
“This is a pandemic that is slowly beginning to spread across the state,” Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, said.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Tate High Cheerleaders Take 5th In The Nation
February 11, 2019
The Tate High School Cheerleaders won fifth place in the nation in their division Sunday night at UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship in Orlando.
Tate finished in the top five in the Small Varsity Coed division.
Earlier this month, the Tate cheerleaders also brought home a state championship.
The Aggie cheerleaders won the Florida High School Athletic Association Region Small Coed Championship. They were the first squad from Tate High School or Escambia County to take first place in their division since Pine Forest won that honor in the 80s, according to the Escambia County School District. They were also the first Escambia district squad to win since cheerleading was recognized as a sport and included in the FHSAA competitions.
Tate Aggie cheerleaders are Kyndell Ammons, Morgan Austin, Jonah Cass, Bailey Carter, Shelby Fleming, Isabella Floyd, Kensley Foley Hagyn Helton, Payton Herring, Madeline Hughes, Erin Johnson, Elena Lucci, Abi Manoso, Keaden Martin, Kyndal Milsted, Ashlyn NeSmith, Madelyn Ray, Emma Romero, Payton Simmons, Ariyana Wyatt, Krysanne Hagen – co-captain, Emilee Potter – co-captain, and Kennedy Bellard – captain. This year’s head coach is Morgan White and the assistant coach is Annie Wiggins.
“I’m so proud of the work these athletes have put in this year,” White, who spent four years as an Aggie cheerleader, said after the state championship. “We’ve had many trials and hurdles they’ve had to endure, but their resiliency and love for their school continues to push these athletes forward. I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of the Tate High School cheer program.”
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Lineworker Finds Money In Street, Seeks Out Owner
February 11, 2019
When Jeremy Davey of Molino found some money in the street, his first thought wasn’t to keep it. It was to find the owner.
The 17-year Gulf Power service technician out of the Pine Forest office had completed a trouble ticket in a north Pensacola neighborhood recently and was pulling away when he noticed something in the road.
“I thought, ‘That looks like a bank envelope.’”
Jeremy hopped out of his truck and picked up the envelope. It was sealed, but he could tell there was money in it. He opened it and found $150.88.
“I could tell it had been run over a few times, but what got me was that it was sealed,” he said. “It was almost like someone’s check was cashed.”
He knocked on the door of the home closest to where he found the money, but the owner said it wasn’t his. So he stuck the envelope in his pocket and went back to the office.
He told Brad Butler, general manager – distribution, about his discovery and Brad told him to see if there was a bank nearby and check there.
So the next day Jeremy went to the bank, told the employees his story and they began checking their transactions. When he told them what street he found it, they found a customer who lived there and had cashed a check for $150.88 the day before.
They called the customer who confirmed she had lost the envelope and talked to Jeremy, thanking him profusely.
The woman, who asked that her name not be used, said she had just moved to Pensacola from another state about a month ago and she’s amazed by the friendliness here.
“I was so flabbergasted when I talked to (Jeremy),” she said. “Most people would have just taken the money. For him to show honesty and integrity was huge and he deserves recognition.”
Vice President-Power Delivery Mike Spoor called Jeremy to congratulate him and his supervisor, Toggy Pace, presented him with a recognition item from Brad, as well as Patrick Davidson, leader central maintenance and construction – distribution.
“Jeremy certainly did the right thing, which is one of our NextEra Energy values,” Brad said. “He’s always shown that kind of great customer service.”
Jeremy said it really wasn’t that big of a deal. He was just happy he was able to find the owner.
“If it had been me, I hope someone would have done the same thing,” he said.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Nine Mile Road Traffic Shifts At Pine Forest On Tuesday
February 11, 2019
All lanes on Nine Mile Road between Pine Forest Road and the entrance to Walmart will be shifted to the north at 6 a.m. Tuesday, February 12 as workers begin construction of the new eastbound roadway. The temporary shift will remain in effect for several months.
The dedicated bike lanes will be closed throughout the shift area. Bicyclists and motorists will share the travel way.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded by the Florida Department of Transportation to obey the 35-mph speed limit and to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through the work zone. Motorists should also watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
NorthEscambia.com photo. Click images to enlarge.
