Beulah Elementary School Students Write Letters Of Support To Navy Recruits
February 10, 2019
Beulah Elementary School participated in a writing project to promote individual student support focused on creating happiness and motivation within U.S. Navy recruits beginning basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois.
The writing project was established in January 2018 after being proposed by a Beulah student as an idea for an assignment. Other Beulah students eagerly supported the idea and wanted to help by providing emotional support to the recruits, while also learning the formalities of writing letters.
The writing project was administered by one of Beulah’s teachers, Krystal Gibson, to her fifth grade class. The assignment consisted of the student sharing information about themselves, transitioning into words of support for those who serve their country, followed by questions about the recruits’ life and goals. Each letter closed with at least two jokes to make the recruits smile and boost morale.
Capt. Kertreck Brooks, commanding officer of the Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center (NETPDC), accompanied by Command Master Chief Gregory Prichard, paid a visit to the class.
“My visit is motivated by my devotion to helping Navy recruits adapt to the sudden life changes they’ll experience in boot camp,” said Brooks, who previously served as the executive officer of Recruit Training Command from February 2013 to June 2015. “It’s important for me to express my appreciation to the students for their participation and thoughtfulness towards the Navy recruits.”
As a former executive officer, Brooks was able to provide details to the class about recruit life. He explained that recruits begin each day at 6 a.m. with continuous training lasting until 10 p.m. He also shared how exhausting Navy recruit training is physically and mentally, especially with the lack of emotional support from friends and family.
One of the descriptive points Brooks emphasized was the procedure that takes place when the new recruit arrives at the Great Lakes recruit training facility.
“Upon arrival, all recruits are allowed to make one final phone call home to their family, then all of their personal belongings, including their cell phones are boxed up and mailed home,” said Brooks. “The only form of communication left is through mail, which makes Mail Call a special event for recruits.”
Brooks went on to tell the students how their letters would now become a welcomed addition to that special event and add greatly to the emotional support of the recruits. The students were then invited to read their letters to the class, followed by a question and answer session.
Photo courtesy Julian Huff/U.S. Navy for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Guns And Money
February 10, 2019
He insists he wasn’t trying to get the parents of two victims of the Parkland school massacre booted out of a congressional committee this week.
But Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz, one of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ chief advisers, made international news after video of a confrontation between the Panhandle Republican and two dads went viral.
Manuel Oliver, whose son Joaquin “Guac” Oliver, was among the 17 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students and faculty members slain last February, and Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter Jaime was another victim, attended the U.S. House Judiciary Committee meeting to hear about legislation (HR 
that would expand background checks for gun sales.
But the dads took offense when Gaetz, a fierce ally of President Donald Trump, said a wall keeping out illegal immigrants would have a bigger impact on reducing gun violence.
“HR 8 would not have stopped many of the circumstances I raised, but a wall, a barrier on the southern border, may have, and that’s what we’re fighting for,” Gaetz said.
The Broward County parents erupted while Gaetz was trying to make his case. Following the outbursts, an irked Gaetz shook his finger at the men and asked whether they should be removed.
“Is there a process in the committee whereby if the very same people are repeatedly interrupting the time of the members, that those people will be asked to depart the committee?” Gaetz asked.
Gaetz later said he wasn’t trying to have the grieving parents tossed from the room.
“I did not want to throw the guy out,” he told CNN’s Chris Cuomo Thursday night while continuing to push for the president’s border wall, saying it would mean “fewer people will die at the hands of illegal aliens.”
But appearing Thursday on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Oliver called Gaetz’s remarks “very offensive,” with Oliver adding that he wanted to redirect the conversation to his son — “the greatest person I have ever met” — and the other 40,000 people who are victims of gun violence every year.
“I just reacted as a father,” said Oliver, who also attended Trump’s State of the Union address as the guest of Congressman Ted Deutch, a South Florida Democrat who’s been at the forefront of gun-control legislation. “You know who’s an immigrant? I’m an immigrant. I did things by the book. My son came from Venezuela. I was trying to find a safer life here. He got shot by an American white dude. So what’s the answer for that?”
PISTOL-PACKIN’ TEACHERS?
The fracas between the Parkland parents and Gaetz played out almost a year after the Feb. 14 massacre.
As the grim anniversary approaches, Florida legislators are preparing to revisit a law aimed at addressing the numerous failures surrounding the shooting.
Senate Republican leaders this week laid out plans to overhaul school-safety measures and expand a controversial program that allows school personnel to carry guns, a proposal that has overshadowed Democrats’ efforts to move away from arming school staff.
DeSantis is among the state Republican leaders who support expanding the school “guardian” program, which was approved after the Broward County school shooting. The program includes putting money into training school staff to carry weapons on school grounds. Under current law, such “guardians” are staff members whose primary duties are outside the classroom.
The Senate’ proposal (SPB 7030) would allow school districts to arm classroom teachers, look to train guardians outside the counties where they would work, and allow school districts to contract with guardians through private security firms.
Senate Education Chairman Manny Diaz Jr., R-Hialeah, wants to see the guardian program become more accessible. He’d like to give school boards, through a majority vote, the chance to participate instead of giving sheriffs discretion to implement the program, as current law allows.
Senate President Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, has already come out in support of the proposal, which is scheduled to be heard Tuesday, two days before the Parkland shooting anniversary.
“I look forward to seeing the bill advance, and I am pleased to see that the bill will be heard next week just before the anniversary of the horrific shooting in Parkland,” Galvano said.
SOMETHING EXTRA FOR TEACHERS?
Four years after lawmakers started a controversial teacher-bonus program, DeSantis said this week he wants to scrap the “Best and Brightest” program and plow nearly $423 million into a new effort to reward teachers and principals.
The Best and Brightest program has faced opposition, at least in part, because it considers teachers’ scores on SAT or ACT college-entrance exams in determining eligibility for bonuses. The use of those scores has drawn state and federal lawsuits arguing that the program discriminates against older teachers and minority teachers.
During an event Thursday at Armwood High School in Hillsborough County, DeSantis also pointed to questions about the logic of looking at college-entrance exams in evaluating teachers.
DeSantis said the new program could provide bonuses of more than $9,000 to nearly 45,000 “highly effective” teachers at schools that showed progress on grading calculations and bonuses of up to $6,500 for principals.
“What we’re trying to do is identify those teachers that are rated highly effective and that are helping their schools move forward,” DeSantis said. “And when they’re doing that, we think they should be rewarded.”
The Florida Education Association, a statewide teachers union that has been a fierce critic of the Best and Brightest program, issued a news release that said it sees DeSantis’ ideas “as a start toward fixing the discriminatory and unfair provisions of that bad legislation.” But it also suggested that “competitive salaries” are the best way to attract and keep qualified teachers.
POT MAKES A BUZZ IN CAPITOL
Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried this week named a former banker as the state’s first cannabis czar to help get Florida’s hemp industry off the ground, State Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis asked Trump to allow banks to do business with cannabis companies. And lawmakers rolled out their first attempts at dealing with a ban on smoking medical marijuana.
Marijuana advocates hailed the moves by Fried and Patronis but mostly scoffed at House and Senate proposals that critics — including the sponsor of the Senate bill — say won’t increase access to smokable pot for patients whose doctors say they need the treatment.
The House proposal would require doctors get the approval of a “case review panel” before they could order smokable marijuana for patients.
Under a Senate plan (SB 182) approved by a key committee Monday, patients would have to see two doctors before being allowed to smoke, adding to out-of-pocket costs. Sen. Jeff Brandes, a St. Petersburg Republican who sponsored the measure that began as a simple repeal of the smoking ban, said he would not bring the bill to the floor unless it is significantly changed.
The Legislature’s efforts came after DeSantis gave lawmakers until March 15 — 10 days after the annual legislative session begins — to address the smoking issue. If the Legislature does not act, the Republican governor threatened to drop the state’s appeal of a court decision that said a Florida law banning patients from smoking medical marijuana is unconstitutional.
But Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando, blasted the House proposal, which will get its first hearing in a committee next week.
The measure “is a bureaucratic mess of red tape and additional boards that have to deliberate and approve whether a patient should be allowed to smoke medical cannabis after a doctor has already recommended it,” Smith said.
STORY OF THE WEEK: Gov. Ron DeSantis released a proposal to revamp the “Best and Brightest” program and steer $423 million into bonuses for some teachers and principals.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “This leads to medical marijuana dispensaries handling this problem in an antiquated and dangerous manner by transporting millions of dollars in duffle bags of cash and even driving the cash endlessly around in trucks.” — Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, referring to the state’s mainly cash-only cannabis industry.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Escambia County Approves Change To Loosen Regulation On Rural Growth
February 9, 2019
The Escambia County Commission has approved the removal of a section of the county comprehensive plan that restricts the development of certain rural areas.
The change removes protections for agricultural and silvicultural (forestry) lands, allowing them to be rezoned as rural communities. Rural community zoning allows for “agriculture, silviculture, residential, recreational facilities, public and civic, compact traditional neighborhood supportive commercial” uses.
The portion of the comprehensive plan removed stated: “To protect silviculture, agriculture, and agriculture-related activities Escambia County will not support the establishment of new rural communities.”
The commission approved the change on a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Doug Underhill dissenting.
Silviculture is the art and science of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests and woodlands to meet the diverse needs and values of landowners and society such as wildlife habitat, timber, water resources, restoration, and recreation on a sustainable basis, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Pictured: North Escambia farmland last fall. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Ransom Middle Holding Shoe Drive To Help Train Service Dogs For Veterans
February 9, 2019
The Ransom Middle School Library is holding a new and gently used shoe drive.
The drive is being conducted during International Random Acts of Kindness Week, going on through February 15. The shoes will benefit Healing Paws for Warriors to rescue shelter dogs and train them to become service dogs for veterans.
Healing Paws will receive $10 for every 25 pairs of donated shoes, helping the organization with the $5,000 cost to train a service dog.
All sizes of shoes are accepted. They will go to needy people in 24 developing counties.
Collection bins are located in the Ransom Middle School front office and library through February 15.
Cantonment Man’s Pickup, Camper Overturn On I-10
February 9, 2019
A Cantonment man suffered minor injures in a crash on I-10 in Santa Rosa County Friday night.
Thomas Crooke, 32, was towing a camper trailer with his Chevrolet pickup when one trailer tire began to come part, causing the trailer to sway. Crooke was unable to maintain control of the vehicle and veered off the roadway onto the shoulder, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The pickup and camper trailer overturned into a ditch on the north side of the interstate near mile marker 24 just before 7:15 p.m.
Crooke was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital with minor injuries. He was wearing his seat belt, according to FHP.
Weekend Gardening: February Tips
February 9, 2019
Here are gardening tips for the month of February from your local Extension Service:
Flowers
- Re-fertilize cool season flowerbeds, using a liquid or granular form of fertilizer. Be careful not to apply excessive amounts and keep granules away from the base of stems.
- Prepare flowerbeds for spring planting by adding and incorporating soil amendments like mushroom compost, manure or homemade compost. Till or spade the bed to incorporate the amendments with the existing soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Allow the prepared bed to lie undisturbed for 3 to 4 weeks before planting. This provides time for some important biological activity to take place, and new plants are less likely to suffer from stem and root rots as a result. Have a soil test done. Sometimes lime is needed. However, a lime application should be made only if the need is revealed by the test.
- Replenish mulch in flowerbeds.
- Prune rose bushes.
Trees and Shrubs
- February is possible the best month for rejuvenation of old, overgrown shrubs. When pruned now, plants have an entire growing season to recover.
- Prune summer flowering deciduous shrubs such as Althea and Hibiscus. Since they flower on current season’s growth, flowering can actually be enhanced by proper pruning
- Do NOT prune the spring flowering shrubs yet. Azaleas, Spiraeas and Forsythia flower during early spring because buds were formed last summer and fall. Pruning in February would therefore remove most of the flower buds.
- Cold damaged trees and shrubs should NOT be pruned until new growth appears. You want to preserve as much healthy plant material as possible.
- Replenish mulch in shrub beds
- Finish planting ornamental and fruit trees.
Fruits and Nuts
- Fertilize established pecan trees. Use a “special pecan fertilizer” that contains zinc. Use 2 lbs. for every year of age of the tree up to a maximum of 55 lbs. Broadcast the fertilizer evenly beneath the tree.
- Fertilize established peach, plum, pear, persimmon, apple and fig. Apply about 1 ½ lbs of a 10-10-10 (or similar) fertilizer for each year of age of the tree until a maximum of 10 to 15 lbs. per tree is reached.
- Blueberries are very sensitive to nitrogen and can be killed easily, particularly when they are young. Fertilize only if your goal is to increase yield or berry size. An annual application of 2 ounces of a special “azalea/camellia” or “special blueberry” type fertilizer per plant in February is ample fertilizer on 2-year-old plants.
- Prune muscadine grapes between mid-February to mid-March. A standard method is to allow 2 to 4 node spurs spaced every 6 inches of cordon. You may notice that pruning cuts bleed, but there is no evidence that this is injurious to the vine.
- Grapes (bunch and muscadine) should be fertilized at the rate of 1 ½ lbs of 10-10-10 for each year of age with a maximum of 5 lbs per plant applied in late February.
- Last call for planting fruit trees! Most fruit trees such as pecans, plums, persimmons, figs, peaches and nectarines are shipped bare roots and should be planted during the dormant season.
- Apply a spray containing horticultural oils emulsion to dormant fruit trees and ornamental shrubs. Follow label directions carefully.
Vegetable Garden
- Several winter vegetables can still be successfully grown by starting them this month. Plant beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, Chinese cabbage, collards, endive/escarole, kale, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, mustard, parsley, English peas, radish and turnips.
- Plant Irish potatoes. Purchase certified seed potatoes rather than using the grocery store kinds. Use 2-ounce seed pieces with eyes and plant them 3 to 4 inches deep.
- Prepare spring vegetable and herb beds for planting by adding and incorporating soil amendments like mushroom compost, manure or homemade compost. Wait 3 to 4 weeks before planting.
Lawns
- Hold off on fertilizing the lawn. It is still too early for an application of nitrogen containing product. Cold temperatures and lack of plant response would likely result in wasted fertilizer. However, your winter weeds would benefit greatly.
Escambia Fire Rescue Smoke Detector Program Credited For Saving Life In House Fire
February 9, 2019
It’s a story that could play out anywhere in Escambia County.
Sometimes things have a way of coming together, even in the worst of circumstances.
When Escambia County Fire Rescue installed a smoke detector in a home on Herron Villon Lane a year ago, they had no way of knowing that it would help save a man’s life.
A fire broke out overnight in the residence, with flames ultimately consuming the home and making it a total loss. The elderly resident was asleep in his bed, but thankfully the smoke detector installed by ECFR last year woke him. Between being asleep at the time of the fire and having significant mobility issues, he said there’s no way he would have escaped without it.
ECFR crews arrived on scene to find the resident partially outside of the home. They were able to move him to a safe location, where he was then transported by Escambia County EMS to Baptist Hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, Escambia County Emergency Communications Supervisor Shenae Maxwell was having trouble sleeping and decided to step outside. She saw the glow of the fire, called 911, drove to the location and provided the address and information to dispatchers. Since Maxwell is used to taking 911 calls, she was able to provide valuable information from the scene for her colleagues on the other end of the line.
Fire crews were able to bring the fire under control less than an hour after arriving on scene.
If you live in Escambia County and do not have a working smoke detector, call (850) 595-HERO (4376) for a free one. City of Pensacola residents can call (850) 436-5200 for smoke detector installation assistance.
Tate Drama Dept. Presenting Sunday ‘Sister Act’
February 9, 2019
The Tate High School Drama Department will present the musical “Sister Act” Sunday at a 2:30 p.m. matinee. Tickets at the door are $7. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fracking Ban Bills To Be Heard In House, Senate
February 9, 2019
With Gov. Ron DeSantis supporting the idea, proposals to ban the controversial oil- and gas-drilling technique known as “fracking” could start moving in the House and Senate. The House Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee and the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee are scheduled Wednesday to take up bills (PCB ANRS 19-01 and SB 314) that would prohibit fracking in the state.
Florida has long had oil drilling in parts of the Panhandle and Southwest Florida, but the possibility of fracking has led to repeated debates. Critics of the technique contend it could lead to water contamination. Past attempts to ban the practice have died in the Legislature, but DeSantis, who took office Jan. 8, has called for a prohibition. The bills are filed for consideration during the legislative session that starts March 5.
Stolen Vehicle Crashed Into Cantonment Home; Gun, Cupcakes Stolen In Six Other Vehicle Burglaries
February 8, 2019
A vehicle was stolen in the Ironhorse subdivision in Cantonment early Friday morning and a second stolen vehicle crashed into house a short distance away.
A 2015 Nissan Rogue was taken from a home on Chesapeake Trail, just off County Road 97, during the early morning hours, and six unlocked vehicles on the same street were burglarized.
Also overnight, a suspect crashed a Nissan Altima into a brick home less than a mile away on Silver Ridge Drive. The vehicle traveled through the dining room and into an interior wall to the garage about 3:45 a.m. No one in the home was injured. The suspect fled on foot, according to Maj. Andrew Hobbs of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. He was described as a black male with dreadlocks wearing a white hoodie.
The Nissan Altima was stolen earlier this month from Metford Avenue in the Monclair area.
A handgun and cupcakes were among the items stolen from six unlocked vehicles on Chesapeake Trail. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Gun Response Team is involved in the investigation due to the stolen firearm.
“We just can’t stress enough how important it is to lock your vehicle,” Hobbs said.
The possible connection between the two incidents remains under investigation.
Anyone with any information is asked to call the ECSO at (850) 436-9620 or to remain anonymous call Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP. Crime Stoppers callers can be eligible for a cash reward.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
