All-Star Football Game Rosters Announced
December 8, 2014
On Thursday, December 18 the best seniors from Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties will play in the 11th annual Subway High School All-Star Football Game at Niceville High School.
The West team, comprised of Escambia County seniors, will be coached by Tate High School’s Ronnie Douglas with assistants from other high schools. The East team, representing Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties, will be coached by Chafan Marsh who will be assisted by representative from each participating school.
WEST TEAM
- Catholic — Antione Barker — DE
- Catholic — Daniel Byrd — WR
- Catholic — Antwain Adams — WR
- Escambia — Logan Walden — Safety
- Escambia — Jamal Bynum — LB/DE
- Escambia — Demarcus Mckenzie — LB
- Escambia — Gerold Bright — QB
- Northview — Nick Lambert — WR/SS
- Northview — Cameron Newsome — RB/WR/FS
- Northview — Keondre Lett — RB
- Pensacola — Roy Albrition — OL/DL
- Pensacola — Aaron Jordan — DT
- Pensacola — Roy Colum — WR/DB/QB
- Pensacola — Hakeem Wilson — DB
- Pensacola — Michael Gainey — LB
- Pensacola — Marquez Emerson — LB
- Pensacola — Kevon Abrams — RB
- Pensacola — Eddie Shoots — WR
- Pensacola — Curtis Theis — K
- Pensacola — Keshawn Sanders — OL
- Pensacola — Jarell Dortch — OL
- Pensacola — Slade Jarmon — QB
- Pine Forest — Trevon Anderson — DE
- Pine Forest — Oliva Wright — OLB
- Pine Forest — Tracy Jackson — OL/DL
- Tate — Chris Terrell — DE
- Tate — Devekyo Lewis — DB
- Tate — Marquis Cass — LB
- Tate — Atteberry — OL
- Tate — Travoris Hunt — OL
- Washington — Kevin Kyles — DT/DE
- Washington — Erick Cook — FS/WR
- Washington — Blaire Gilley — P
- Washington — Griffin Ricketson — OL
- Washington — Joe Pohiva — LB
- West FL — Keandre Prim — WR
- West FL — Cameron Ball — DT
- West FL — Albert Moore — DL
- West FL — Devon Gibson — C
- West FL — Dakota Milstead — Long Snapper
- West FL — Noah Banks — OL
- West FL — Kyle Harrison — O
EAST TEAM
- Baker — Johnathon Gatewood — DE/TE
- Baker — Austin Martin — OLB
- Choctaw — John Hicks — RB
- Choctaw — Patrick Keefe — FB
- Choctaw — Teric Fuller — OT
- Choctaw — Dustin Whisman — C
- Choctaw — Daniel Moon — DT
- Choctaw — Brandon Thomas — DB
- Choctaw — Carlos Leon — K/P
- Crestview — DJ Stewart — RB
- Crestview — Nathan Gerard — OL
- Crestview — Tyrone Baker — DE
- Crestview — Amp Seals — LB
- Fort Walton — Chris Hunt — OL/DL
- Fort Walton — Kavika Cozier — DB/S
- Gulf Breeze — Josh Irby — FB
- Gulf Breeze — Garner Currington — WR
- Gulf Breeze — Jacob Kubick — WR
- Gulf Breeze — Sam Covell — S/CB
- Jay — Tucker Harrington — OL
- Jay — Troy Mandris — OL/DL
- Milton — Dominique Craig — RB
- Milton — Damian Sagiao — DL
- Milton — Dondre Johns — OLB
- Milton — Tye Green — CB
- Navarre — Quentin Randolph — WR
- Navarre — Chris Hering — OG/OT
- Navarre — Matthew Webb — QB
- Navarre — Kyle Arrasmith — TE/DE
- Niceville — Austin Willis — CB
- Niceville — Colby Tuthiy — QB
- Niceville — Alex Echols — DT/TE
- Niceville — Billy Sagar — DT
- Niceville — Chase Outzer — CB
- Niceville — Bryson Houston — LB
- Pace — Chris Clarke — OT
- Pace — Davin Smith — C/OG
- Pace — Dillon Draughn — ILB
- Rocky Bayou — Josh Preston — WR
- Rocky Bayou — Zackary Payne — WR/DB
- Baker — Josh Mayhew — K
- Niceville — Trevor Olds — OL
Final game rosters are subject to change.
Tickets are $8 at the gate and $6 with a canned good item donation. The PSA is teaming with Manna Food Bank for a canned good drive and encouraging everyone to help families by bringing a canned good item.
Health Department: Flu Season Off To Early Start
December 8, 2014
The Florida Department of Health reports that the 2014-2015 flu season is off to an early start and Floridians are urged to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others against the flu. Activity levels are highest in children but overall influenza activity is widely spread across the state.
Increased influenza activity in children typically comes ahead of increases in activity in adults and the elderly. Within the last week, there has been an increase in the percentage of pregnant women seeking care at emergency departments for influenza or influenza like illnesses (ILI) and the level is similar to what is usually seen at the height of influenza season.
The health department said the flu vaccine is safe and continues to be the best protection from the flu, the health department said. The national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that all individuals six months of age and older receive the flu vaccine each year. Since infants younger than 6 months of age are too young to get vaccinated against influenza, it is important that family members (including pregnant mothers) and other caregivers for these children be vaccinated to help protect them from the disease. This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that, nationally, this year’s flu vaccine is not as effective against the most common flu strain identified this year because the virus has changed. Despite the change or “drift” in this strain, vaccination can still decrease severity of illness. It can also protect against other circulating strains of the virus, which is why vaccination is still recommended.
“It is highly advised that children and pregnant women receive the influenza vaccination to help protect themselves and others from influenza infection,” said Dr. Celeste Philip, Deputy Secretary for Health and Deputy State Health Officer for Children’s Medical Services (CMS). “The changed virus has not yet been identified in Florida, but the Department will continue to monitor this situation closely in partnership with the CDC.”
It is especially important that people who do become infected with the influenza virus stay home when they are sick and parents keep sick children at home to prevent spreading the flu. Additional steps to prevent flu include coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow, washing your hands frequently, and keeping your hands away from your face. Symptoms of the flu include headache, fever, severe cough, runny nose or body aches. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your primary care provider immediately for guidance on treatment. Early treatment with antivirals is important and can help people get better more quickly as well as help to prevent severe complications.
The flu vaccine is offered in many locations, including doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, retail stores, pharmacies, health centers and by many employers and schools. Check with your physician, your local health department or visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/prevention/flu-prevention/locate-a-flu-shot.html to search for a flu vaccine location.
Land To Lake Parade Rolls In Century (With Photo Gallery)
December 7, 2014
The Second Annual Century Christmas Land To Lake Lighted Boat Parade rolled through Century Saturday night, ending with a community event at Lake Stone.
At Lake Stone, Santa Claus was on hand for photos and Christmas wishes, plus there was hot cocoa, a sack lunch, goody bags and more.
Awards were presented to Jeff and Tony Nolen for the Prettiest Boat, Century Health and Rehabilitation Center for the Most Creative Boat, and to House of Love of Brewton for the Tackiest Boat.
The event and parade were sponsored by Pen Air Federal Credit Union, Escambia River Electric Cooperative and NorthEscambia.com.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured top: Century’s Land to Lake Lighted Boat Parade “Prettiest Boat” from Jeff and Tony Nolen. Pictured inset: Santa visited with children following the parade. Pictured below: The “Most Creative” boat from the Century Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Scott Celebrates With ‘Jobs Jamboree’ In Pensacola
December 7, 2014
Gov. Rick Scott made a stop in Pensacola Saturday night on his “Jobs Jamboreee” tour in advance of his January 6 inauguration. Scott visited Global Business Solutions, an internet and technology training company on Michagan Avenue, to celebrate 120 new jobs that were announced by the governor back in late July.
Scott said the Jobs Jamboree stops in Miami, Fort Myers, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville and Pensacola were to highlight some of Florida’s growing businesses and were also “an opportunity to celebrate our economic progress while focusing on the work we have left to do in the next four years.”
The barbecue tour stops were sponsored by businesses and contributions to the state GOP paying for the events.
Pictured top: Gov. Rick Scott (center) with (L-R) Northview High student Mitchell Singleton and University of West Florida College Republicans members Haley Malone, Tyler Ward, and Shelby Williams Saturday night in a Pensacola “Jobs Jamboree” event. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Santa Makes Special Stop In Atmore For Christmas Letters
December 7, 2014
Atmore residents passing by the corner of East Church Street and 6th Avenue got a little surprise Saturday morning. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus were on hand personally accepted letters to Santa and plenty of Christmas wishes. Photos by Ditto Gorme for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Holds Annual Christmas Parade (With Photo Gallery)
December 7, 2014
The annual Molino Christmas Parade was held Saturday morning on Crabtree Church Road. After the parade, Santa Claus met with lots of good boys and girls at the Molino Ballpark.
Sponsored by the Molino Recreation Association, proceeds from the parade are used to benefit needy children in the Molino area during the Christmas season.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: The annual Molino Christmas Parade Saturday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Byrneville Elementary Holds Annual Christmas Carnival (With Photo Gallery)
December 7, 2014
Byrneville Elementary School held its Christmas Carnival Saturday night at the school.
The annual event included a host of games, including a ring toss, cake walk, football toss and more. The day’s festivities ended with a gift basket auction, with proceeds going to benefit the school.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Wait ‘Til Next Year
December 7, 2014
The buzz in the news might be about holiday displays in the Capitol and the postseason destination for the currently undefeated Florida State University football team. But a lot of state leaders have already turned their attention to what happens in the new year.
So while the Florida Prayer Network was preparing to put up a nativity scene in the Capitol, House Speaker Steve Crisafulli and Senate President Andy Gardiner were making their lists and checking them twice — but the lists were of committee chairs who will lead legislative meetings that start next month.
And as plans were made to bring a stack of beer cans back to the seat of Florida government as a Festivus display, Florida Transportation Secretary Ananth Prasad was making plans to vacate his seat as part of the turnover between terms in Gov. Rick Scott’s administration.
But a court decision far away from all the holiday hubbub opened up the prospect of something far more significant than legislative leadership positions or the head of the Department of Transportation. Shortly after the new year, it appears that same-sex couples will be able to get married in Florida.
JUST (ABOUT TO BE) MARRIED?
In something that supporters and opponents have seen approaching for a while, it looks like Florida’s voter-approved ban on same-sex marriages is about to be lifted.
A federal appeals court this week rejected Attorney General Pam Bondi’s request to at least temporarily extend Florida’s ban on gay marriage — possibly setting the stage for same-sex marriages to start in January.
U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle in August ruled that the ban was unconstitutional but placed a stay on his decision to allow time for appeals. That stay is scheduled to expire Jan. 5. A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals turned away a request by Bondi to keep the stay in place until appeals of Hinkle’s ruling are finished.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, which has represented a group of plaintiffs challenging the ban, said Wednesday afternoon same-sex marriages will be able to start Jan. 6 if no other attempts at extending the stay are successful. Also on Jan. 6, same-sex marriages from other states would be recognized in Florida, the ACLU said.
“Today, in denying the state’s request to further delay the ruling, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the state’s argument that allowing same-sex couples to marry and have their marriages recognized will cause harm to the state and refused to make these families wait any longer,” ACLU attorney Daniel Tilley said in a prepared statement. “The court effectively ruled that the state does not have a likelihood of succeeding in its appeal.”
Supporters of the ban, of course, vowed to continue the fight.
“We may grieve today, but we will not despair,” said John Stemberger, president of the Florida Family Policy Council, in a statement issued after the ruling. “We will not throw in the towel. We will not give up.”
The ruling came Wednesday — a bad day at the federal courthouse for the state. The 11th Circuit also rejected a Florida law pushed by Scott that would require welfare applicants to submit to drug tests before they can receive benefits in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
The 2011 law “offends the Fourth Amendment” protections from unreasonable searches by the government, a three-judge panel ruled in a 54-page opinion authored by Judge Stanley Marcus.
“Encouraging employability, protecting children, and conserving public funds are general — and unquestionably legitimate — public concerns,” Marcus said. “But empirical evidence indicates these needs are not specific to or special for TANF applicants, nor is drug testing essential to ensuring the success of the TANF program as a whole.”
Scott can either ask the 11th Circuit for an “en banc” review by the entire court or pursue an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court.
MUSICAL COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Most Floridians who are concerned about rosters right now are poring over their fantasy football teams or keeping an eye on baseball’s “hot stove” season. But in the immediate environs of the Capitol and among the lobbying corps and advocates scattered across the state, the roster of committee chairmen for the House and Senate might have been watched just as closely.
The House was up first, with Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, announcing the leaders of 16 panels for the House. Committee meetings are scheduled to begin next month.
“The brand that marks this House is that every word, action, thought, and deed is all about Florida,” Crisafulli said. “I believe the individuals I have appointed to these leadership positions will truly put Floridians first.”
Some of the appointments were already known: Crisafulli had already announced that Rep. Richard Corcoran, a Land O’ Lakes Republican slated to become speaker after the 2016 elections, would chair the budget-writing House Appropriations Committee, while Rep. Ritch Workman, R-Melbourne, will chair the House Rules, Calendar & Ethics Committee, which sets the chamber’s agenda.
But others had not been publicly unveiled. Rep. Jose Oliva — a Miami Lakes Republican in line for the speakership after Corcoran — will chair the House Economic Affairs Committee.
Other highlights include Rep. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, chairing the Health and Human Services Committee; Rep. Charles McBurney, R-Jacksonville, taking over the Judiciary Committee; and Rep. Marlene O’Toole, R-Lady Lake, returning as chairwoman of the House Education Committee.
For his part, Gardiner looked to experience in his selections. Of the 24 existing Senate committees and subcommittees that will continue into the legislative session that begins in March, 13 will be led by the chairmen who oversaw those panels in 2014.
“We have many senators who have a great deal of institutional knowledge that has been a great benefit to the Senate,” wrote Gardiner, R-Orlando, in a memo to lawmakers. “For this reason, some senators are assigned to familiar policy or budget areas. Other senators are being called upon to utilize their talents in new areas for the best interest of the Senate.”
There were a few new faces. While Sen. John Legg, R-Lutz, will remain as chairman of the committee overseeing elementary and secondary education, that committee will no longer deal with higher-education issues. The reconstituted Higher Education Committee will be chaired by Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland.
Meanwhile, Sen. Don Gaetz, a Niceville Republican who served the past two years as president, will take over the gavel in the Senate Education Appropriations Subcommittee, formerly headed by Sen. Bill Galvano, a Bradenton Republican who is now Senate majority leader.
PRASAD HITS THE ROAD FROM DOT
Ananth Prasad might not be driving off into the sunset, per se, but the state’s transportation secretary is going to travel elsewhere. Prasad, head of the Florida Department of Transportation since April 2011, will leave his job Jan. 2, according to the governor’s office.
Prasad becomes the third of Scott’s agency heads to step down since the general election, which often ushers in a period of change in an administration.
With Scott pushing to expand parts of Florida’s transportation infrastructure, the agency under Prasad has grown from a $7 billion operation to $10.1 billion in the current year.
“Secretary Prasad has also helped Florida become a major force in international trade because of his commitment to expanding our Florida ports and airports,” Scott said in a prepared statement. “I am grateful for Secretary Prasad’s service to our state, and we will continue making our transportation system a top priority as we select another excellent leader for this department.”
News about Prasad followed announcements that Department of Corrections Secretary Mike Crews and Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Herschel Vinyard were retiring.
Scott now has at least five new leaders to appoint as he gets ready to start a second term. The Florida Department of Children and Families and the Department of Juvenile Justice are operating under interim secretaries. Some say Scott might already have the right people in DCF Interim Secretary Mike Carroll and DJJ Interim Secretary Christy Daly.
“I can say that both (Carroll and Daly) have done an excellent job and have the full confidence of their departments behind them,” said Rep. Gayle Harrell, a Stuart Republican who has chaired the House Healthy Families Subcommittee during the past two years. “But of course, it’s up to the governor.”
STORY OF THE WEEK: A federal appeals court denied Attorney General Pam Bondi’s request for an extended stay in a legal challenge to Florida’s ban on same-sex marriage, clearing the way for those weddings to begin as soon as next month.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “The proud tradition continues forward for another year. I’m trying to be just a little more professional this year. I’m going on Craigslist to see if I can find a mariachi band to bring along.”—Chaz Stevens, a Deerfield Beach resident who plans to again sponsor a Festivus pole at the Capitol to protest religious holiday displays.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Escambia Considers Creation Of Blighted Ensley Redevelopment Area
December 6, 2014
A proposal is on the table in Escambia County to designate the Ensley Redevelopment Area.
At a meeting next week, the Escambia County Commission is set to consider a portion of Ensley as a blighted area with a shortage of affordable housing for low and moderate income housing and that there exists a need for for the “rehabilitation conservation, redevelopment, or a combination of these in the Ensley Community is necessary in the interest of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare of the residents of Escambia County”.
The designation has been recommended to the commission by the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), a division of Community and Environment Department.
The area (depicted in the map above, click to enlarge) is bordered generally by Nine Mile Road to the north, railroad tracks just west of Highway 29 to the west, Jernigan Road ad Cody Lane to the east, and I-19 and a portion of Olive Road to the south.
Six other community redevelopment areas in Escambia County exist in the Cantonment, Barrancas, Brownsville,, Englewood, Palafox, and Warrington communities. A variety of incentives are offered by the Community Redevelopment Agency, include commercial and residential grant programs, the Florida Enterprise Zone Tax Incentive Program and Brownfield Redevelopment Program.
The Escambia County Commission will vote on the designation of the Ensley Redevelopment Agency at their December 11 meeting.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
December 6, 2014
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending December 4 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Investigator Wilkenson’s court case against an individual charged for storing/processing yard trash debris without a facility permit was adjudicated guilty of a first degree misdemeanor. The court assessed $535 in fines. This individual has been charged twice for the same violation. The first violation occurred in 2013.
Investigator Goley was patrolling in Perdido River WMA when he observed a vehicle parked at the Muscogee Cemetery after hours. Investigator Goley approached the vehicle and spoke to the occupants. He immediately noticed the odor of burning marijuana and questioned the driver about the smell. The driver admitted to smoking marijuana and that he threw it out the window. Investigator Goley located the evidence and seized less than 20 grams of marijuana and issued a notice to appear citation for the violation. A citation for possession of alcohol was also given to the passenger in the vehicle.
Officer Webb checked a fisherman as he was coming off the Bob Sikes Bridge. Officer Webb spoke to the individual and asked if he had caught anything. The individual admitted he caught a red drum but was unsure of its size. Officer Webb measured the fish, which measured 35 inches. The legal size for red drum is 18 to 27 inches. After further questioning, the subject admitted having a second red drum in the trunk of his car. That fish measured 36 inches. Officer Webb seized the fish and issued a notice to appear citation to the individual for the violation.
While on patrol, Lieutenant Lambert observed an individual drive into a cultivated corn field in an attempt to shine deer with the vehicle’s headlights. Lieutenant Lambert stopped the vehicle as it exited the field. The driver had a 20 gauge shotgun lying next to him on the front seat. The subject admitted he was looking for deer and would have shot a big buck. The subject’s gun was seized and was issued a notice to appear citation for the violation.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officers working Blackwater Wildlife Management during the opening of gun season responded to a gunshot near the closed area of Krul Lake. The officers located a vehicle near this area and waited on the hunter to return. Officers Barnard, Hutchinson and Hoomes stopped the subject and asked if he shot earlier. The subject admitted to shooting two deer and advised he left his gun in the woods after seeing the officers in the area. The subject did not have a hunting license. When the officers went to the area, they observed corn on the ground around the area the subject was hunting. The officers also located a 7‑point buck that the subject shot. The subject’s rifle was located in the woods near this area. It was determined that the subject shot at the same deer twice and thought there was a second deer. The subject was issued citations for taking deer on a WMA where food or grain has been distributed and for not having a hunting license. The subject was issued four warnings for other license violations.
Officer Miller was patrolling Eglin WMA working a hunting detail during the first phase of rifle season. He received a complaint that a hunter, who had shot a deer in the daily closed area, was currently tracking it. Upon arrival at the boundary of the closed area where the subject was allegedly last seen, a truck pulled up. Upon inspection of this truck, Officer Miller found a dead doe deer in the bed. The subject was cited for possession of a doe deer during a closed season. The deer was seized and donated.
During the four day general gun season, Investigator Schafer and Officers Jones and Miller conducted an enforcement detail on the western portion of the Eglin Reservation and WMA. The officers worked a total of 103 hours, contacted 162 users, issued 2 citations (including 1 for the killing of a doe deer out of season), and issued 1 warning. The officers responded to13 calls for service.
Officer Lewis and K-9 Officer Pineda worked a detail in the Blackwater WMA targeting illegal hunting. The officers located a vehicle parked in an area where they had information about a baited site. The officers deployed K-9 Kane who tracked into the woods and located a hunter who had exited her stand. A brief search of the area revealed that the hunter was in fact hunting over bait. The hunter was issued a citation for hunting over bait within a WMA.
K9 Officer Pineda was patrolling Eglin WMA following a lead of someone being on the area after legal hours. He observed vehicle headlights at the end of a trail. The vehicle then suddenly swerved into the woods and shut its headlights off. Officer Pineda located the vehicle in the woods and made contact with five people in the vehicle. The driver stated his vehicle was giving him problems and caused him to drive into the woods and shut his lights off. All the occupants were aware of the Eglin rules and that they were in violation. They later admitted they were in the wrong and had tried to hide from the officer. Officer Jones arrived to assist. The subjects were cited for being on Eglin after hours established by the commander and for driving off of named and numbered roads. They were then released and told to exit the management area. Fifteen minutes later, the same driver was observed going around a closed section gate and into the closed area. The driver was stopped and cited for a closed area violation. Later that night, the officers made contact with another individual who had called Range Patrol stating he had been biking through Eglin and got lost. After further investigation, it was determined that he had been dishonest and had actually been in the vehicle that was stopped earlier. He stated that he bailed out of the vehicle before the officer made contact because he was underage and was in possession of alcohol (two whiskey jugs) and got scared. The officers went back to the scene of the original vehicle stop and deployed the K-9. The K-9 located two jugs of whiskey hidden in the woods. The subject stated that was his whiskey. He was charged with littering, underage possession of alcohol and being on Eglin after hours established by the commander.
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week;however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.