Local Students Place In Sub-District I FFA Competition
December 15, 2014
FFA members from three counties recently took part in the 2014 Sub-District I FFA Competition at Heritage Baptist Church in Cantonment.
Students can explore numerous career fields within agriculture by participating in Career Development Events known as CDEs, which focus on student success. Students spend many hours training for competition and receive assistance from their advisor, industry partners, alumni, and community stakeholders.
Results from the event were as follows:
High School Results
Prepared Public Speaking
- Mitchell Singleton – Northview FFA (Escambia)
- Sara Herrington – West Florida FFA (Escambia)
- Zach Rutherford – Central FFA (Santa Rosa)
Extemporaneous Speaking
- Tiffani Cruce – Northview FFA (Escambia)
- Erica Waters – Central FFA (Santa Rosa)
Creed Speaking
- Emalie Sharpe – West Florida FFA (Escambia)
- Rosemary Smyth – Tate FFA (Escambia)
- Emma Fennell – Ernest Ward FFA (Escambia)
Tractor Operation and Maintenance
- Forrest Gibbs – Tate FFA (Escambia)
- Joseph Roberts – Jay FFA (Santa Rosa)
- Zach Rutherford – Central FFA (Santa Rosa)
Parliamentary Procedure
- Jay FFA (Santa Rosa)
- West Florida FFA (Escambia)
- Tate (Escambia)
Middle School Results
Prepared Public Speaking
- Lindsey Casey – Beulah FFA (Escambia)
- Olivia Key – Central FFA (Santa Rosa)
Extemporaneous Speaking
- Gabe Pfeuffer-Ferguson – Beulah FFA (Escambia)
- Kylie Schwarz – Central FFA (Santa Rosa)
Opening and Closing Ceremony
- Jay FFA (Santa Rosa)
- Ernest Ward (Escambia)
- Beulah (Escambia)
Parliamentary Procedure
- Jay FFA (Escambia)
Winning students and chapters are now among the top in the state and will advance to the 2015 District I FFA Competition.
George Stone To Offer EMT Program Beginning In January
December 15, 2014
George Stone Technical Center has announced an the addition of an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) class beginning January 8, 2015. EMT Program Director Monica Knight and Medical Director, Dr. Chris Durant, received state credentials and final approval to start the new GSTC program from the State of Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and National Registry.
“We are excited to be working closely with Escambia County EMS and Sacred Heart Hospital on this amazing endeavor,” explained Knight.
The 10 week-long EMT program provides students with an understanding of this medical field, especially the pre-hospital setting. The students will complete a combination of classroom delivered education, along with skills training, and hands-on clinical experiences. Classes will be full-time Monday through Friday. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the National EMT Certification Exam.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for students in the local area. This program will prepare them for many employment opportunities with in our community,” said Thomas Rollins, Principal of George Stone Technical Center.
“EMT certification means eligibility for employment in various technical patient care fields of employment and puts students on the path to enrolling in a paramedic program, or even a firefighting program,” added Knight.
Students interested in enrolling in the EMT program should speak to a GSTC guidance counselor or Knight. The total cost for the course is between $1,200 and $1,300. The deadline to register for the first class is January 6, 2015. The next class will begin in late March. For information on the EMT program and EMS Education at George Stone Technical Center, call (850) 941-6200, ext.2177 or visit www.georgestonecenter.com.
Jay Plans Praise And Prayer Assembly At Nativity Scene
December 15, 2014
Residents of Jay and surrounding areas will hold a Praise and Prayer Assembly next Monday, December 22, at the Jay Nativity and Christmas Tree.
Called a “united community event” by organizers, the 5:30 p.m. event will feature Christmas readers, songs and prayer
After an attorney for the Wisconsin group from the Freedom From Religion Foundation sent a letter to the town claiming that a nativity display on public property is illegal, it was acquired by the Santa Rosa County Ministerial Association and moved to the corner of Commerce Street and Highway 4. [Read more...]
One Injured In Bratt Crash
December 14, 2014
One person was injured in a two vehicle crash Sunday afternoon in Bratt.
The accident involving a pickup truck and SUV occurred at the intersection of West Highway 4 and Pine Barren Road, at Northview High School.
One person from the pickup was transported to an area hospital by ambulance with a non-life threatening injury. The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Pictured: A two vehicle crash Sunday afternoon in Bratt. The red pickup had been removed from the roadway prior to this photo. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Toyz For Kidz Bike Ride Provides For Needy Kids (With Gallery)
December 14, 2014
Santa had some very special helpers Saturday as the LA Bikers rolled through Bratt, Flomaton and Atmore making sure that over 60 needy kids had presents for Christmas this year.
It was the 14th annual Toyz For Kidz Ride organized by the LA Bikers.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Dozens of children received new bicycles and helmets, clothes, shoes and lots of toys. About 100 bikers took part in the event with stops at Bratt Elementary,the Flomaton Fire Department and Atmore City Hall.
Pictured: Children received Christmas gifts from Santa Claus Saturday morning thanks to the LA Bikers Toyz For Kidz Ride. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: Thousands Attend Atmore Twilight Christmas Parade
December 14, 2014
Thousands attended the annual Atmore Twilight Christmas Parade Saturday night. The parade featured over two dozen lighted floats, twirlers, antique cars, bands, marchers, Santa Claus and more.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Injured In Cantonment Motorcycle, Pickup Wreck
December 14, 2014
Two people were injured in a collision involving a pickup and motorcycle Saturday night in Cantonment.
The accident happened about 7:30 p.m. on Muscogee Road at McQueen Drive, just south of Jacks Spring Road. Two people from the motorcycle were transported by ambulance to area hospitals. The motorcycle passenger, an adult female, was classified as a “trauma alert”.
The names of those involved and further details have not been released by the Florida Highway Patrol as they continue their investigation. The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the accident.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.
AG Bondi: Be Wary Of Debt Collection Scams
December 14, 2014
Attorney General Pam Bondi warns Floridians to protect themselves against debt collection scams, particularly when the number appears to be from a legitimate governmental entity, such as the IRS or Attorney General’s Office. Scams where impersonators pretend to be collecting legitimate debt continue to top the number of complaints received by Attorney General Bondi’s Citizen Services Division, and there are measures Floridians can take to protect themselves.
“I encourage all Floridians who receive high-pressure calls demanding that they pay their debts immediately to use caution,” stated Attorney General Bondi. “One of the simplest ways to protect yourself from this type of scam is to say you’ll call the entity back and find its legitimate number.”
In some cases, the imposters will threaten that those who owe money will be jailed—law prohibits imprisoning those in debt. Oftentimes, the scammers will attempt to get their victims to purchase Green Dot or MoneyPak cards to pay their debts. Legitimate debt collectors will never ask for payment in this way.
Debt collectors must adhere to these laws:
- A debt collector may not contact you at work if the collector knows your employer does not approve, nor may a collector contact you at unreasonable times or places, such as before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., unless you agree.
- A debt collector is required to send you a written notice within five days after you are first contacted, telling you the amount of money you owe. The notice must also specify the name of the creditor to whom you owe the money and what action you should take if you believe you do not owe the money.
- You may stop a collector from contacting you by writing a letter to the agency telling them to stop. Once the agency receives your letter, they may not contact you again except to say there will be no further contact, or to notify you if the debt collector or the creditor intends to take some specific action.
- If you do not believe you owe the debt, you may write to the collection agency within 30 days after you are first contacted, saying you don’t owe the money. The agency may not contact you after that unless you are sent proof of the debt, such as a copy of the bill.
- A debt collector may not harass or abuse anyone. For instance, a collector may not use threats of violence against the person, property or reputation; use obscene or profane language; advertise the debt; or repeatedly or continuously make telephone calls with the intent to harass or abuse the person at the called number. In addition, debt collectors are required to accurately disclose their identities to the person at the called number.
Anyone who believes that they have been the victim of a debt collector scam should call toll-free in Florida 1-866-9-NO-SCAM or 850-414-3990. Complaints can also be filed online at MyFloridaLegal.com. When reporting this type of scam, Floridians should include the number that was used when the call was received.
Rotary Tree Of Remembrance To Honor, Remember At Mall
December 14, 2014
The Rotary Tree of Remembrance is now on display inside the Dillard’s entrance to Cordova Mall. Shoppers have the opportunity to make a donation and place yellow ribbons on the Christmas tree in honor or remembrance of a loved one.
“The ribbons offer a simple but dignified and poignant way to remember their families and friends amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season,” says Bambi Provost, director of the Sacred Heart Foundation. The Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart is one of six beneficiaries of this fundraising effort, along with Gulf Coast Kids’ House, Covenant Hospice, Simon Youth Foundation, ARC Gateway and Rotary’s Camp Florida.
To conclude this year’s Second Annual Rotary Tree of Remembrance project, a non-denominational service will be held on Sunday, December 28, at 3 p.m. at the tree. Following the service, checks will be presented to the charities.
Pictured: The second annual Rotary Tree of Remembrance. Photos courtesy RustyBuggy.com for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Everything Old Is New Again
December 14, 2014
The familiar hum of pre-session activities is returning to the Capitol.
Committee memberships have been handed out to lawmakers. Legislation is being filed so it can start working its way through the process — or at least provide a friendly headline in the local paper. On Monday, state economists will gather to decide how much money Gov. Rick Scott will have to work with as he puts together his spending plan for the budget year that begins July 1.
As for Scott’s administration, it will also have a familiar ring to it. Several of the governor’s old hands will be staying on, with one interim secretary moving into a full-time job. And even one of the new agency heads is a veteran of state government.
WELCOME TO TALLAHASSEE, LAND OF GUN BILLS AND UTILITY FIGHTS
Like newly minted college students learning the ropes of their campus, freshman House members came to the Capitol this week to find out how to work the levers of power in the Legislature — or at least how to file reimbursement reports that wouldn’t get them in trouble.
Lawmakers who attended the meetings — a couple of whom really needed no introduction to the legislative process — learned about the written rules in Tallahassee and some of the gentlemen’s agreements that make the building run smoothly, or at least as smoothly as it ever does.
Returning legislators, though, were already plunging into the work of writing and introducing bills. This being Florida, almost everyone had to know that a gun bill was coming — in this case, one that would allow firearms on university campuses.
Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, said he already planned to sponsor the measure (HB 4005) before a shooting incident last month at Florida State University but that the attack, which left three people injured and the gunman dead, helps to make his point. The bill would apply to people who are licensed to carry concealed weapons.
“I think it (the attack) brings it closer to home for people who think these events don’t occur in Florida, or that law enforcement can prevent them from happening,” Steube told The News Service of Florida,
A Senate counterpart was filed by Sen. Greg Evers, R-Baker.
But House Minority Leader Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach, said the answer to gun violence isn’t more guns. He also said he’d be more inclined to support the cost of additional security rather than allowing more guns at state universities and colleges.
“We look at these things differently, based on where we come from throughout the state,” Pafford said. “Discharging a weapon where I live, the probability of hurting somebody is a lot higher because we are not living one person on 20 acres.”
Firepower wasn’t the only thing drawing legislation this week. Tampa Bay lawmakers wasted no time in filing bills aimed at one of the favored villains of legislators by the bay: utilities. Rep. Amanda Murphy, D-New Port Richey, filed legislation (HB 67) that would repeal a 2006 law that has allowed utilities to collect hundreds of millions of dollars for nuclear-power projects. The measure is cosponsored by Rep. Chris Latvala, R-Clearwater.
The nuclear-cost issue has long been controversial, particularly among Duke Energy Florida customers in the Tampa Bay area. Duke collected money for a plan to build two nuclear reactors in Levy County but has scuttled the project.
“Floridians are tired of being taxed for projects that will never come to fruition,” Murphy said in a prepared statement.
Rep. Dwight Dudley, D-St. Petersburg, put forward a proposal (HB 81) that would require that changes in utility billing cycles be approved by the Florida Public Service Commission at least one month before the changes take effect. The commission would have to review the “public impact” and could not approve more than a seven-day extension of a billing cycle, according to the proposal.
An idea for local pension reform (SB 172) that died last year — but could have better odds this session — is back on the table. And Rep. David Richardson, D-Miami Beach, filed a measure (HB 89) that would provide a tax exemption for sales of original works of art that are signed and sold by the artists — as long as they cost at least $1,000.
CHAMPIONING ‘OUR VISION’ AND BRINGING ‘FRESH PERSPECTIVE’
Scott’s new team won’t be entirely old, but there are certainly a number of familiar faces sticking around as the governor continues to unveil his top lieutenants for a second term.
Scott said he would retain Jesse Panuccio as executive director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Panuccio found out about his future at the agency more quickly than some jobless Floridians found out about their unemployment claims late last year and early this year.
“I am confident Jesse will continue to champion our vision of making sure every family who wants a job has one,” Scott said in a prepared statement.
A year ago, the state agency was widely criticized for troubles with Florida’s new $63 million “Connect” unemployment-compensation website. But in April, Senate President Andy Gardiner, who was then the chairman of the Senate Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee, said that when the problems with the new system were exposed, Panuccio “took ownership of it and fixed it.”
Scott also said he would reappoint Barbara Palmer as director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities and Liz Dudek as secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration
The governor also elevated Mike Carroll from interim secretary of the troubled Florida Department of Children and Families to the permanent role there.
In a prepared statement, Scott said Carroll provided “strong leadership” while in the interim role.
“He brings a common sense approach to the services the agency provides, and he has a passion for serving Florida’s most vulnerable children,” Scott said.
Another agency that’s been roiled by bad press is getting a new leader. Julie Jones, a public-safety veteran who retired earlier this year, will head the beleaguered Department of Corrections, an agency under state and federal scrutiny for inmate abuse, corruption and retaliation against whistleblowers.
Jones, the first woman to lead the corrections agency overseeing more than 100,000 inmates, retired this spring after a five-year stint as head of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. She’ll take over for Mike Crews, who retired last month.
“My fresh perspective will enable me to look for different ways to do things,” Jones said. “I don’t have to be an expert in order to implement change management. I’m good at the people part, and I’m good at the budget part.”
Crews spent months trying to resuscitate the department’s image by purging rogue officers and imposing a “zero tolerance” policy for corruption and abuse before he stepped down in November. Crews’ reforms began this summer after reports of inmate abuse by prison guards that sometimes led to horrific deaths.
Meanwhile this week, two other agencies also got new leaders.
Jonathan Steverson, who for the past two years has overseen one of the state’s five water-management districts, will head the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. And Scott appointed Sam Verghese to take over for Charles Corley at the Department of Elder Affairs.
Verghese had served as Scott’s external affairs director since May.
Steverson, who served as former Gov. Charlie Crist’s environmental policy coordinator, was named Thursday to replace former Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Herschel Vinyard, who left the post Nov. 26.
STORY OF THE WEEK: Gov. Rick Scott named seven agency heads as he continued to put in place a team for his second term.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Congratulations on guiding the Senate through the thicket. Looks as if, so far, the Democrats have not realized the gains they think they were going to get.”—Tom Hofeller, a redistricting consultant at the Republican National Committee, in an email to Florida political consultant Rich Heffley. The Florida Supreme Court released the two-year-old message this week. Opponents say it helps prove the Legislature ignored the constitutional ban on political gerrymandering during the 2012 redistricting process.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida