Senate Agrees To Remove Confederate Flag From Seal
October 20, 2015
Without a formal vote, the Florida Senate on Monday agreed to strip the Confederate battle flag from its official seal, removing one of the few remaining vestiges of the infamous icon in state government.
After some hesitation when the change first came up, senators — back in Tallahassee for a redistricting special session — agreed without objection to adopt a new rule removing the controversial emblem from the chamber’s insignia. Approving the change without objection avoided the need for even a voice vote on the emotional issue.
Under the rule approved Monday, the seal would still include other non-American flags that flew over Florida, including the 1513 Spanish flag, the 1564 French flag and the 1763 flag of Great Britain. The United States flag would also remain, while the Florida state flag would replace the Confederate banner on the marker.
Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, and Senate Minority Leader Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, requested in June that the Senate Rules Committee consider whether to change the seal amid a national backlash against Confederate symbols after a man with white supremacist views opened fire at an African-American church in Charleston, S.C., killing nine people.
Since then, Southern states, including Florida, have wrestled with how to reconcile past commemorations of “the lost cause” with shifting feelings about race and the meaning of the Civil War.
While many Southerners view displays of the Confederate banner as recognition of their ancestors’ military service and sacrifice, blacks and others interpret government use of the flag as an endorsement of the brutal, slave-driven economy that was a central issue in the war, which raged from 1860 to 1865.
“I’m glad that we are taking it down and recognizing the Confederate flag for what it is,” Sen. Oscar Braynon, a black Democrat from Miami Gardens, said after the session. “What it is, is a symbol of a time when this country went to war to keep my ancestors in slavery.”
Senate Rules Committee Chairman David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs, defended the proposal on the floor of the Senate by pointing to U.S. Supreme Court rulings rejecting the legality of the decision by 11 Southern states to secede from the Union during the conflict.
“The flags on the current seal appear to presume to represent sovereign nations. However, our research established that the Confederacy was never legally a sovereign nation,” Simmons said.
No one openly objected to the change of the Senate seal during the debate. However, Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, said he wasn’t aware that the chamber was going to take up the issue during the special redistricting session.
Bradley also raised questions about whether the Senate should look at other options for the seal, including an overhaul of the symbol that goes beyond simply replacing one flag.
“If you look at all the flags on the seal, I think you would find that there were things that occurred in the name of some of those flags that history has now looked upon as being abhorrent and terrible,” he said.
But Gardiner defended moving forward with the changes now, saying it would take time to remove the old seal from various places around the Capitol. Bradley’s concerns, and questions from other senators, initially caused Senate leaders to pull back from the change before moving ahead with it later in the day.
Perhaps because of that, Gardiner told reporters after Monday’s session that the seal could be altered again.
“I think the understanding working with Senator Simmons is, he’s going to work with the members, and the seal may change some more,” Gardiner said.
by Brnadon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Work Continues To Replace 75 Year Old Highway 97 Bridge
October 19, 2015
Construction is continuing on the replacement of a 75-year old Highway 97 bridge over Little Pine Barren Creek in Walnut Hill.
Work at the site began back in March, with traffic moved to a temporary bridge in July. Workers have completed removal of the old bridge, and they have recently completed the process of driving pilings to support the new structure.
The work is part of a $2.5 million contract which consists of replacing the existing structurally deficient bridge, including roadway reconstruction, milling and resurfacing, guardrail, drainage, new signs and pavement markings. Drivers will utilize a temporary roadway and bridge during construction of the new bridge. Work is anticipated to be completed in the spring of 2016. No overweight loads will be permitted onto the temporary bridge (loads weighing over 88-thousand pounds).
The bridge is located at the intersection of Wiggins Lake Road, about one mile north of Ernest Ward Middle School. The bridge being replaced was constructed in 1940.
Pictured: Traffic on Highway 97 is detoured onto a temporary bridge in Walnut Hill as a 75-year old bridge is reconstructed. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Impact 100 Announces 10 $106,000 Community Grants
October 19, 2015
IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, a local women’s philanthropy group, awarded 10 grants Sunday worth $106,000 each to community groups.
Grant winners announced Sunday were:
ARTS & CULTURE
Ballet Pensacola, Inc.
Project: Elevate – 21st Century Productions for Ballet Pensacola
Pensacola Museum of Art, Inc.
Project: Expanding and Protecting the Vaults for PMA’s Fine Art Collections
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EDUCATION
AMIkids Pensacola, Inc.
Project: AMIkids Careers
Learn to Read of Northwest Florida, Inc.
Project: Public Awareness Campaign – The Most Powerful Organization That Nobody’s Heard Of
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ENVIRONMENT, RECREATION & PRESERVATION
Coast Watch Alliance, Inc.
Project: “Research to Restaurant”, Affecting a Sustainable Seafood Resource by Taming Lionfish
Veterans Memorial Park Foundation of Pensacola, Inc.
Project: VMP Venue Enhancements and Infrastructure Improvements
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FAMILY
Children’s Home Society of Florida, Inc. collaborating with Escambia Community Clinics, Inc.
Project: Weis Community School Family Playground
Lutheran Services Florida, Inc.
Project: Transportation to Healing, Hope and Help
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Bay Area Food Bank
Project: Northwest Florida Healthy Food Distribution and Milton Warehouse Expansion Project
Re-Entry Alliance Pensacola, Inc.
Project: REAP’s Second Chance Re-Entry Program
“At the end of today, more than $7,236,000 has been distributed to non profits in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in the form of significant grants that make a lasting impact,” said Cyndi Warren, President of IMPACT 100.
IMPACT 100 hopes to keep the momentum going into next year by increasing membership to more women in our 13th year of working with nonprofits in the community.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
RESTORE Advisory Council Begins Project Review Process Tuesday
October 19, 2015
The Escambia County RESTORE Advisory Committee will meet Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the County Commission Chambers at 221 Palafox Place to discuss submitted projects and the next step in the process. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
The County’s RESTORE project submission portal website launched on July 1 and closed on October 2, 2015. More than 120 projects were submitted for entry, with initiatives ranging from bayou restoration to coastal sediment management, a native path boardwalk, workforce development, stormwater projects, habitat restoration, community centers and more.
For more information or general questions about the RESTORE process, upcoming meetings or related topics, visit myescambia.com/restore
Woman Dies In Sunday Night Escambia Traffic Crash
October 19, 2015
An Escambia County woman died in a traffic crash Sunday night.
About 8:26 p.m., 29-year old Jessica Williams was traveling east on Bellview Avenue in a 2005 Scion when she failed to stop at a stop sign at Blue Angel Parkway, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Her vehicle traveled into the path of a 1996 Honda Passport driven b y 47-year old Gina Gianino.
Williams, who was not wearing a seat belt, was transported by Escambia County EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital where she was pronounced deceased. Gianino, who was wearing a seat belt, received minor injuries.
File photo.
News FCSS President From Escambia District; Local Rep From Tate High
October 19, 2015
The Florida Council for the Social Studies Conference was held recently in Kssimmee where Cherie Arnette, Social Studies Curriculum Specialist K-12 for the Escambia County School District, was installed as state president.
Tate High School teacher Robin Blalock was honored with the J. R. Skretting Outstanding Leadership Award for her work on the conference committee and installed as District 1 Representative for FCSS.
Blalock and Ransom Middle School teacher Lauren Samoszenkeo presented a session entitled, “Couriers of Memory: Teaching the Holocaust Using Survivor Testimony.”
In addition, Christopher Harris of Washington High School, and Cyprienne Gryskiewicz, formerly of Woodham and current SS Instructional Coach for ECSD, were recognized as Escambia county’s Social Studies Teachers of the Year.
Arnette, along with colleagues Peggy Renihan of PAEC and Maureen Carter of Palm Beach County, presented a session entitled, “Upstanders and Bystanders: Investigating Modern Social Responsibility Using History” examining strategies and tools for teachers and students to make positive choices when faced with injustice.
Pictured: (L-R) Lauren Samoszenko, Chris Harris, Cherie Arnette, Robin Blalock and Cyprienne Gryskiewcz. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Let The Music Play: Jay, Northview Band Photo Gallery
October 19, 2015
For a photo gallery featuring the Northview and Jay bands from Friday night, click here.
For a football action story and photo gallery from the Northview at Jay game, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Florida Sending Crews To Battle Wildfire In Texas
October 19, 2015
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced recently that the Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, is sending 16 wildland firefighters to assist wildfire suppression efforts on the Hidden Pines Fire in Bastrop County, Texas. The fire has burned more than 4,300 acres, destroying nine homes and threatening hundreds more.
“Florida Forest Service wildland firefighters are an elite group of selfless public servants committed to the protection of life, property and natural resources. This commitment extends beyond Florida’s borders as we work to provide support to our partners across the country,” said Putnam.
So far this year, the Florida Forest Service has sent nearly 550 firefighters and personnel to assist wildfire suppression and management efforts in 11 other states.
“Thanks to sustained low to moderate wildfire danger levels in Florida, we have been able to continue to assist our partners in other states,” said Jim Karels, Florida State Forester. “In doing so, our wildland firefighters build upon their skills and expertise in preparation for when Florida’s wildfire activity hits its peak in the spring.”
Photo courtesy Florida Forest Service for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Home Heavily Damaged By Fire
October 18, 2015
Fire heavily damaged a home on Deedra Avenue just north of East 10 Mile Road Sunday afternoon. About half of the house was destroyed by the blaze. There were no injuries reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Photos courtesy NewsRadio 1620 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Have ‘Coffee With A Cop’ This Week In Century
October 18, 2015
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office will host a Coffee With a Cop event this Thursday morning at the Southern Panhandle restaurant in Century.
The Coffee with a Cop event provides an opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about what the ESCO is doing in their neighborhood.
“We hope that community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our deputies,” said Sheriff David Morgan. “These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships.”
Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by the United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are being held across the county, as local police departments, sheriff’s offices, and state police forces strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve. The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between law enforcement and community members one cup of coffee at a time.
Coffee with a Cop will be held Thursday, October 22 at 7 a.m. at the Southern Panhandle restaurant at 8420 North Century Boulevard.
Pictured: A previous Coffee with a Cop event in the Pine Forest Road area.