Ransom Chorus To Present ‘War & Peace’ Monday Evening
May 13, 2018
The Ransom Middle School Choral Department will present “War and Peace: Songs of conflict, courage, compassion, and hope” Monday evening at 6:30 at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church at 6205 North W Street.
The evening of music will journey through the stages of war and peace. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted at the door. Checks are payable to the Ransom Middle School Choral Booster Club.
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Friends And Foes
May 13, 2018
Recap and analysis of the week in state government
Former foes Adam Putnam and Richard Corcoran began a public bromance this week, with Corcoran clearing the deck for the agriculture commissioner in what will now largely be a two-man Republican primary for governor.
But in contrast to the lovey-dovey development in GOP-land, the situation took a decidedly nasty turn on the other side of the aisle in the race to succeed outgoing Gov. Rick Scott.
Former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham and her supporters launched a two-day offensive against one of her primary opponents, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, in response to an attack ad released by The Collective Super PAC, a group that backs black candidates, including Gillum.
The Collective is spending upwards of $700,000 on the ad, which is running on West Palm Beach television stations and South Florida cable networks and is clearly targeted toward Democratic base voters.
The 30-second spot slams Graham’s voting record during her short stint in Congress, where she “voted against President Obama 52 percent of the time,” backed the Keystone Pipeline, sided “with the big banks” and “trashed” Obamacare.
“Gwen Graham is not the progressive she claims to be,” the voiceover warns.
Graham’s campaign shop went into overdrive in response to what appears to be the first negative ad in the Democratic primary, going ballistic on social media and issuing numerous press releases expressing outrage from a slew of surrogates who joined the former congresswoman’s demand that Gillum order the ad be taken down.
“I am disgusted that Andrew Gillum would allow a secret-money group to run a false attack against a fellow Democrat,” Graham said in one of more than a dozen email responses to the ad.
Instead of backing down, Gillum’s camp doubled-down, accusing Graham of relying on super-PAC sustenance during her congressional bid four years ago.
“It’s hypocritical for the Graham campaign to denounce outside spending and now call it ‘dark money’ when it doesn’t benefit her like it did in 2014. Her ‘very conservative’ record is on full display, and this campaign should be about her record against the mayor’s record,” Gillum spokesman Geoff Burgan said in a statement.
I LOVE YOU, MAN
The Collective has pledged to spend over $1.5 million to help Gillum become Florida’s first black governor, which means the throwdown over the “52 percent” ad is likely just a taste of what’s to come this summer.
While it’s certain that the Dems won’t be the only ones slinging slime before the August primary election, Putnam now has one less mud-thrower to duck after winning the support of Corcoran, the House speaker who had toyed with the idea of entering the GOP gubernatorial primary before walking away this week.
Proving once again it’s all about the Benjamins, Corcoran blamed his exit from the race he never officially joined on a lack of greenbacks.
“Florida is an expensive state. It costs a lot of money to run,” Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, said during an appearance Wednesday with Putnam in Tallahassee.
Through the end of March, Corcoran’s Watchdog PAC political committee had raised $6.86 million and spent $4.6 million, with $3.7 million spent in the first three months of this year. Despite the spending, which included a controversial television ad on so-called “sanctuary cities,” Corcoran never gained much traction in the GOP race with Putnam and U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis of Palm Coast.
Corcoran said he would adhere to his pledge to either run for governor “or go home,” ruling out a move to another statewide race, such as the contest for attorney general. He also said he would not serve as Putnam’s lieutenant governor if asked to join the ticket.
“I’ve passionately said for the last year that I was going to run for governor or go home. And I’m proud to say that that decision is clearly that we’re going home,” Corcoran said.
Corcoran said he decided to endorse Putnam because he believes the two-term state Cabinet member will continue and extend the conservative legacy of the Scott administration, including on tax cuts and educational reforms.
“Adam is sincere. He is authentic. He is principled. He is passionate. He loves this state,” Corcoran said.
Putnam welcomed Corcoran’s backing.
“To have the endorsement, to have the support of someone who knows Florida so well and is so passionate about Florida’s future and is such a principled conservative means everything in the world to me,” Putnam said.
But signaling a contentious Aug. 28 primary, the DeSantis campaign characterized the endorsement as an “insider” deal between two long-time members of the Tallahassee establishment, noting Corcoran and Putnam have disagreed on issues, including immigration.
“Career politician, Adam Putnam, will now get the two-man race he’s been fearing for a year,” DeSantis spokesman David Vasquez said in a statement. “A conservative Iraq veteran (DeSantis) endorsed by Donald Trump versus a ‘Never Trump’ career politician who supported amnesty for illegal aliens. We like our odds.”
WAR ON DRUGS … TREATMENT
Some lawmakers were stunned to learn that Department of Corrections Secretary Julie Jones is slicing substance-abuse programs for prisoners in the midst of an opioid crisis gripping Florida and the nation.
But the raised eyebrows won’t translate into action, at least not right now.
House and Senate leaders said this week they don’t have any plans to plug a $28 million budget gap at the corrections agency that sparked Jones’s decision.
Jones announced last week she is slashing contracts with nearly three dozen substance-abuse and re-entry providers — programs considered integral to reducing recidivism and helping inmates transition back into society — by at least 40 percent because the money is needed to cover the cost of a contract for prison health services.
“What I would encourage our partners who are facing these cuts to do is to double-down on their efforts to find efficiencies and understand that, when we return in November, this is going to be something that many of us are eager to address,” Senate budget chief Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, said in an interview Thursday.
After the November elections, lawmakers will begin working to prepare next year’s budget.
Jones said the cuts, which are already being implemented in time for the July 1 start of the new fiscal year, were necessary because lawmakers did not fully fund the corrections agency, which is running about $80 million in the red.
The reductions sparked an outcry from providers, who could be forced to lay off 600 employees, according to Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association Executive Director Mark Fontaine.
“The contracted substance-abuse funding is only 1.5 percent of the department’s $2.4 billion budget. Hard to believe there aren’t other options available,” Fontaine said.
STORY OF THE WEEK: Throwing his support behind Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, announced he will not run for governor.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I don’t think we had the resources to move forward.” — House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, announcing he is staying out of the governor’s race.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Tate High Cheerleaders Host Universal Stunt Clinic
May 13, 2018
The Tate High School cheerleaders hosted an Universal Cheerleaders Association Student Clinic Saturday. The UCA Staffers taught new skills and techniques to the programs that attended. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Sheriff’s Office Offers Safety Workshop For Churches
May 13, 2018
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is offering a free training opportunity to help places of worship consider the security needs of their facilities and operations. The training is designed for anyone responsible for the safety of their place of worship and will help attendees to understand the challenges and needs of worship security. The goal is to make the process of creating a secure environment easier, less expensive, and more effective.
The class will be held at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at 1700 West Leonard Street on Tuesday, May 29 at 5:30 p.m. Seating is limited. To secure a seat complete a registration by clicking here.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Biloxi Shuckers Shut Out The Pensacola Blue Wahoos
May 13, 2018
The Biloxi Shuckers capitalized on an error leading off the second inning to take the series opener from the Blue Wahoos, 1-0, Saturday night at MGM Park.
Taylor Sparks sailed a throw over first baseman Nick Longhi on a ball off the bat of Troy Stokes Jr. to start the second inning. Stokes went to third on a two-out double from Jake Hager before scoring on a Clint Coulter single. It was the only blemish on an otherwise stellar line for Wahoos starter Daniel Wright (L, 2-2).
Saturday night was Wright’s first start of the season without allowing an earned run. He was finished after six innings with only one walk and five strikeouts.
Pensacola came up empty on its best opportunity of the game in the third inning. Luis Gonzalez singled to start the inning, one of his two hits in the game. Daniel Sweet followed with a long drive off the very top of the left field fence. On the play, Gonzalez was thrown out at the plate trying to score from first base. Blue Wahoos manager Jody Davis argued that the ball went over the fence, but the call stood after the umpires collectively discussed the play.
The Wahoos didn’t get another runner into scoring position the rest of the game. Biloxi starter Thomas Jankins (W, 6-1) was solid over seven shut-out innings for the win. He walked two against a career-high eight strikeouts. Nate Griep (S, 14) worked around a leadoff walk in the ninth for his league-leading 14th save of the season.
The series continues on Sunday with RHP Keury Mella (3-1, 1.89) getting the start for the Blue Wahoos against RHP Cody Ponce (1-2, 7.32).
Wildfire Burns Along Highway 29; Fire Danger Remains High
May 12, 2018
A wildfire burned about eight acres in McDavid Friday afternoon, and officials say the fire danger remains high in Escambia County.
The fire was located on the west side of Highway 29 north of Pine Barren Road and did not threaten any structures. The 2 p.m. fire also jumped Highway 29 southbound and burned in the median. The cause of the fire was not known, but it was believed to have started away from the road.
The fire completely closed Highway 29 southbound for about half an hour, with one lane remaining closed for over an hour.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The Florida Forest Service responded with three tractor/plow units and a brush truck, joining firefighters from the the McDavid, Walnut Hill, Molino, Century and Cantonment stations of Escambia Fire Rescue in battling the blaze. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office provided traffic control.
The fire was contained by late afternoon, but continued to smolder into the night.
According to the Florida Forest Service, the fire danger rating in Escambia County is high in Escambia County, very high in neighboring Santa Rosa County.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Highway 97 Traffic Moving To Temporary Bridge On Tuesday
May 12, 2018
Traffic on Highway 97 over Sandy Hollow Creek near Davisville in Escambia County will be transitioned to a temporary bridge on Tuesday.
The Florida Department of Transportation said motorists may encounter minor delays as workers prepare to switch traffic. Once the transition is complete, crews will begin replacing the 78-year-old structure with a new 12-foot wide bridge with eight-foot shoulders and a concrete barrier railing. The bridge approaches will also be resurfaced. The entire project is anticipated to be complete in the fall of this year, weather permitting.
FDOT is reminding drivers to slow down to the posted 45 mph speed limit and to use caution when approaching the temporary bridge. A weight restriction is in place on the temporary bridgel vehicles weighing over 88,000 pounds and cranes are prohibited.
Ag Interests Spread Cash In Florida Ag Commissioner Race
May 12, 2018
From farmers to horse trainers, agricultural interests put up more than $100,000 in April to support three candidates running for Florida agriculture commissioner, with U.S. Sugar Corp. accounting for $30,000, new finance reports show.
Republicans Denise Grimsley of Sebring, Matt Caldwell of North Fort Myers and Baxter Troutman of Winter Haven each topped six figures in April fundraising, with Troutman’s numbers aided by continued self-funding, according to the reports posted Thursday on the state Division of Elections website.
The three are among six candidates — four Republicans, two Democrats — seeking to replace Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, who is running for governor this year.
Grimsley, a state senator, reported collecting $189,485 in April through her campaign account and the political committee known as Saving Florida’s Heartland.
With just over $1 million on hand in the two accounts as May kicked off, Grimsley drew $60,100 last month from people and businesses with ties to construction, development and real estate, $26,050 from agricultural interests and $13,820 from health care-related donors.
“Our positive vision and message continues to resonate with conservatives,” Grimsley said in a prepared statement.
Grimsley is a registered nurse and hospital administrator whose family has long been involved in citrus and cattle.
Grimsley’s committee received a $10,000 contribution from U.S. Sugar, long a major player in Florida politics. Other top contributors during the month included Pospiech Contracting of Inverness, $25,000; the Florida Prosperity Fund, which is tied to the business advocacy group Associated Industries of Florida, $15,000; and the health-care consulting firm North American Health Services, $10,000.
Caldwell, a state House member, posted just under $160,000 in contributions in April to his campaign account and the political committee Friends of Matt Caldwell, according to numbers on the election division’s website.
The two accounts held a combined $1.13 million as May got underway.
Caldwell’s campaign also touted that he’s raised nearly $2 million since filing to run in May 2017.
“Momentum is on our side,” Caldwell said in a statement.
Caldwell’s April money included $15,000 from the Voice of Florida Business PAC, which is tied to Associated Industries of Florida, and $10,000 from Disney Worldwide Services.
Caldwell also received $44,250 from people and businesses tied to farming, including $10,000 from U.S. Sugar and $5,000 from Collier Enterprises Management. Horse breeders, trainers and associations ponied up a combined $18,750.
He also received $11,000 from the construction industry and $3,000 from the Florida Phosphate Political Committee.
Troutman, a former state House member who is a grandson of the late Florida citrus and cattle magnate Ben Hill Griffin, Jr., put another $100,000 of his own money into the campaign in April. He also gathered $55,750 in contributions to his campaign account and his political committee known as iGrow.
With $2.8 million of his own money now in the contest, Troutman started April with about $2.9 million on hand in the accounts.
His April money included $35,900 from agricultural interests, including $15,000 from Winter Haven-based Dark Hammock Legacy Ranch and $10,000 from U.S. Sugar. Troutman also received $15,000 from PACs tied to Associated Industries of Florida.
Republican candidate Mike McCalister, a retired Army colonel from Plant City who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2010 and U.S. Senate in 2012, posted a single contribution in April of $2 from a member of the Florida National Guard from Lakeland. That was the only money McCalister had raised since opening a campaign account March 13.
On the Democratic side, Homestead Mayor Jeffrey Porter recorded a single contribution of $3,000 to his campaign account and $32,000 to his political committee Friends of Jeff Porter.
His largest contribution, $20,000, was from At Homestead Place, an assisted living facility.
Porter started May with $53,302 in the two accounts.
Democrat David Walker, a marine biologist from Fort Lauderdale, raised $6,587 in April while putting up $37,251 of his own money.
Walker, who ended April with $49,894 in his campaign account, had put $59,793 of his own money into the contest.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Byrneville Elementary Fourth Graders Visit State Capitol
May 12, 2018
Fourth graders from Byrneville Elementary School visited the Florida State Capitol on Friday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Weekend Gardening: Using Water Wisely In Your Landscape
May 12, 2018
by Ray Bodrey UF/IFAS
It’s a struggle to manage Panhandle landscapes, especially over the late spring-summer months. Small adjustments can mean significant impacts in conserving water.
Some homeowners are not aware that watering plants too much can have as much of an ill effect as not watering enough. Shallow rooted plants, as well as newly set plants can easily become water stressed. Some people lightly water their plants each day. With this practice, one is only watering an inch or less of the topsoil. Most plant roots are deeper than this.
Instead of a light watering every day, soaking the plant a few times a week is best. A soil that has been soaked will retain moisture for several days. This is a very good practice for young plants. In contrast, some people soak their plants to often. This essential drowns the roots by eliminating vital oxygen in the root zone. This can also cause root rot. Signs of overwatering are where leaves turn brown at the tips or edges, as well as leaf drop.
The following are tips from the UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscape Program. These tips will help conserve water and provides best management practices for landscapes.
- Choose the right plant for the right place: Be sure to place plants in your landscape that match conditions with plant needs.
- Water Thoughtfully: Of course, follow water restrictions first and foremost. Water early in the morning and water when plants and turfgrass start to wilt. Refrain from watering in the late afternoon or evening. This is when insects and diseases are most active.
- Perform regular irrigation maintenance: Remember, an irrigation system is only effective if it is maintained regularly. Check for and repair leaks. If using a pop-up heads for turfgrass, point heads away from driveways and sidewalks.
- Calibrate turfgrass irrigation system: Ideal amount of water to apply to turfgrass is ½”- ¾”. A simple test can be done to calibrate. Place a coffee or tuna cans throughout the landscape. Run the irrigation system for 30 minutes. Average the depth of the water containers. Adjust running time to apply the ½”- ¾” rate.
- Use microirrigation in gardens and individual plants: Drip or microspray irrigation systems apply water directly to the root system with limited surface evaporation.
- Make a rain barrel: Rain barrels are an inexpensive way to capture rainwater from your roof. This can translate into a big impact on your water bill as well.
- Mulch plants: Mulch helps keep moisture in the root zone. Two to three inches in depth, for a few feet in diameter will work well for trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables.
- Mow correctly: Mowing your grass at the highest recommended length is key. Be sure to cut no more than 1/3 of the leaf blade each time you mow. Keep mowing blades sharp as dull cuts often cause grass to be prone to disease.
- Be a weather watcher: Wait at least 24 hours after a rainfall event to water. If rain is in the forecast, wait 48 hours until irrigating. Use a rain gauge or install a rain shut-off device to monitor irrigation scheduling.