Molino Program To Share Secrets Of Escambia County Ghosts
October 6, 2014
You can learn which famous downtown Pensacola building has ghosts with English accents, whose DJ booth was once a pulpit and the locations of other ghostly apparitions in Escambia County during a special “Pensacola Ghost Stories” program Tuesday night in Molino.
Pattie Krakowski, owner of Pensacola History and Hauntings, will share the results of her own local paranormal investigations during the 6 p.m. at the Molino Branch Library.
Ernest Ward Cross Country Takes On TRM Challenge (With Gallery)
October 6, 2014
The Ernest Ward Middle School Cross County team joined about 400 other runners Saturday morning at the T.R. Miller Cross Country Challenge in Brewton.
Top finishers for Ernest Ward were:
Girls
- Payton Jackson 17:01
- Addison Albritton 17:11
- Hayley Black 18:19
- Anna Sullivan 18:32
- Lexxi Baggett 19:21
Boys
- Brandon Sheldt 14:58
- Bryce Korinchak 16:43
- Keaton Brown 19:25
- Shane Hardin 19:48
- Alexander Floyd 19:58
Photos by Charity Sheldt for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Dies After Being Hit By Santa Rosa Deputy’s Vehicle In Century
October 5, 2014
[Updated 8:15 a.m.] A Century man died early Sunday morning after being struck by a deputy’s vehicle in Century.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Deputy James L. Miller, 38, was traveling eastbound on East Highway 4 near Freedom Road in Century. He was driving a marked patrol car that was in emergency mode when the left front of his vehicle collided with an eastbound bicyclist in the center of the roadway “for unknown reasons”, according to the FHP.
The bicyclist, 26-year old Paul Martin Upton, was transported as a trauma alert by Escambia County EMS to the McDavid Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and transferred to LifeFlight. Due to the patient’s condition, he was then airlifted to Jay Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
Miller’s injuries were minor; he was not transported to the hospital.
Miller was responding to an emergency call in Jay at the time of the crash, troopers said. Any charges in the crash will depend on the outcome of an ongoing Florida Highway Patrol traffic homicide investigation.
No information has been released as to why the Santa Rosa County deputy was in Escambia County prior to the crash. According to Deputy Rich Aloy, spokesperson for the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, his department is unable to provide any information on the accident because the FHP is the lead investigative agency.
Any additional details will be posted as they become available.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Thousands Flock To Jay Peanut Festival (With Photo Gallery)
October 5, 2014
The weather was perfect Saturday as tens of thousands of people attended the first day of the Jay Peanut Festival at Brenda Gabbert’s 56-acre farm near Jay.
“I describe it to people as being like an old-fashioned county fair, without the carnival rides,” said Gabbert, who has coordinated the festival with her husband, Gene, for 25 years.
“It’s all about farming and rural life. That’s what we try to show people,” she said. “It’s good for the whole family. There is something for everybody. We really cater to the kids.”
About 70,000 people are expected to have attended the festival by the time it closed Sunday evening.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The festival site is a functioning farm, with 40 acres of peanuts – which is managed by a farmer who leases it from the Gabberts – and 16 acres that includes the couple’s home and a field of hay.
Their property also includes two museums – a farming museum and replica of a 1940s style John Deere dealership – as well as a fleet of restored classic tractors. All of that is incorporated into the festival.
“My husband has all of these tractors he’s restored himself,” Gabbert said. “We let other people bring their stuff if they want to show it.”
At the festival, the Jay Volunteer Fire Department has exclusive domain over the sale of boiled peanuts. The department uses the money raised to help supplement its modest public funding. Other vendors will offer green peanuts – the kind patrons take home to boil for themselves – roasted peanuts, fried peanuts, peanut brittle, baked goods with peanuts and many of the other forms the protein-packed snack can take.
The festival offers pony and horse rides, stage coach rides, hay rides, a rock climbing wall, a bungee jump, a mechanical bull, train rides and inflatable attractions.
Admission and parking at the festival are free, a point of pride for Gabbert. The festival is funded solely through vendor fees.
“We get letters from people who tell us this is the only thing they can afford to come to,” she said. “They have kids and they don’t have the money to go to things that have admission. They can come here and not spend a penny if they don’t want to.”
The Jay Peanut Festival dates to 1990 when the Gabberts started the event in memory of their daughter, Melissa, a 19-year-old who died earlier that year from cancer.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: Saturday at the Jay Peanut Festival. Photos by Nikki Golden Photography for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Hospice Volunteers Needed; Free Training Available
October 5, 2014
There is a shortage of hospice volunteers in the North Escambia area. Covenant Hospice will hold a new volunteer workshop at the Century Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, October 11.
Covenant Hospital volunteers help with:
- patient and family support
- honoring veterans
- children’s programs
- faith- based initiatives
- teen volunteers
- ambassadors
- fundraising and special events
- community events
- bereavement services
- Alzheimer’s family services
- administrative projects
The training will take place from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday at the chamber office, 7811 North Century Boulevard. RSVP to Sharon Oakes at (850) 380-0356.
Bonus Photos: Northview Homecoming Court
October 5, 2014
Kamryn Brock was name the 2014 Northview High School Homecoming Queen Friday night. Other members of her court were First Runner-up Kendall Cobb, Second Runner-up Jessica McCollough, Freshman Maid Hannah Mascaro, Junior Maid Jadlyn Agerton and Sophomore Maid Morgan Myrick.
For a bonus photo gallery with every court member, click here.
Pictured top: Senior Kamryn Brock reacts to the announcement that she has been name Homecoming Queen. Pictured below: (L-R): Freshman Maid Hannah Mascaro, Junior Maid Jadlyn Agerton, First Runner-up Kendall Cobb, 2014 Queen Kamryn Brock, 2013 Queen Anna Fischer, Second Runner-up Jessica McCollough, and Sophomore Maid Morgan Myrick. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
October 5, 2014
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending October 2.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
While working on the Pensacola Fishing Pier, Officer Manning observed an individual catch approximately eight spotted sea trout. Officer Manning approached the individual and identified himself. After inspecting the individual’s catch, Officer Manning found that he was in possession of 12 spotted sea trout, eight of which were undersized. Officer Manning issued the individual notice to appear citations for the violations.
The next night, Officer Manning worked the Pensacola Fishing Pier again. At one point, he was approached by an individual and asked if he wanted to purchase a red drum. Officer Manning declined the offer. The individual approached several more fishermen asking them if they wanted to buy some fish. Officer Manning eventually observed the individual sell one red drum for $20. Officer Manning approached the individual who bought the fish and identified himself. The individual confirmed that he bought the fish for $20. Officer Manning seized the fish and approached the individual who sold it. Officer Manning discovered he was in possession of two more red drum. Officer Manning issued a notice to appear citation to the individual for selling saltwater products without a license, over the bag limit of red drum, and possession of alcohol by a person under 21 years old.
Investigator Goley received information on the location of a possible stolen vessel. He responded to the address and spoke to the current owner of the vessel. With the assistance of the current owner, Investigator Goley was able to find a hidden hull identification number (HIN) behind the rub rail. After running the HIN, Investigator Goley determined that the vessel was stolen approximately ten years ago. Since that time, the vessel has been sold several times. Investigator Goley contacted the insurance company, the rightful owner, and seized the vessel.
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.
Chief Spirit: Cheerleaders, Dance Team Photo Gallery
October 5, 2014
For a photo gallery featuring Northview’s cheerleaders and dance team, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Weekend Gardening: Time To Plant Those Fall Vegetables
October 5, 2014
by Santa Rosa Extension
The slightest hint of fall is in the air. But this doesn’t mean that the vegetable gardening season is over. Fall is an excellent time to grow cool-season vegetables.
Florida is unique in that we have multiple growing seasons. There is something that can be grown in the vegetable garden all year round. Knowing which vegetables to grow during which season is the key to having a successful harvest.
In the summer, gardeners are somewhat limited in the different types of warm-season vegetables that can be grown and will survive the heat. Now with cooler days approaching, we have a much wider selection of cool-season vegetables to plant.
In September many vegetables can be planted in the garden including beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, mustard, onions and radish. In October, you can plant Chinese cabbage, spinach and strawberries.
These vegetables are best started from transplants but many can be direct-seeded. If you seed them directly into the soil, keep the ground moist while it’s still warm to give them a good start. Keep them well watered if you transplant, too. The later you start, the smarter it becomes to transplant to cut the time to maturity. Preparing the garden properly is as important as selecting the right plants.
Choose a sunny location. Most vegetables perform poorly in shade. An area that receives at least eight hours of sunlight per day is best. Some vegetables such as broccoli, collards and spinach will tolerate partial shade. Avoid locating your garden near hedges or trees. They not only create too much shade but also compete with the garden for moisture and nutrients.
Locating the garden near the house will make it easier to periodically check the garden for insect pests and disease. And, it is easier to keep an eye on the garden for larger pests such as birds, squirrels and rabbits. Closeness to the house will make it convenient in tending to the garden chores.
Locate the garden near a water supply so it can be watered as needed. You’ll get only moderate results if you try to grow a garden without supplemental irrigation.
Of course, it’s important to prepare beds properly before planting. To do that, clear the site of all weeds or finished vegetable plants. Turn the soil with a shovel, fork or tiller to a depth of at least 8 inches, and spread a 2-inch to 4-inch layer of organic matter (leaves, grass clippings, aged manure or compost) over the tilled soil. This helps to maintain a high level of organic matter in the soil, which encourages a strong, healthy root system, improves drainage, retains moisture, provides nutrients and promotes vigorous plant growth.
Mix the organic matter thoroughly into the soil. Turn the soil by digging with a shovel, garden fork or a tiller until the materials you’ve added are evenly distributed in the soil. When using fresh organic amendments, it’s best to wait a couple of weeks before planting your transplants or seeds.
By this time of year, insects and diseases have had all summer to build up their populations. Insects such as whiteflies, stink bugs, aphids and caterpillars are commonly seen. Since insect and disease pressure often is greater in the late summer/early fall than in the spring, watch plants carefully for problems and use appropriate control measures promptly when needed. Contact your local Extension Office for control recommendations.
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Politics Dominate, But Reality Breaks Through
October 5, 2014
With Gov. Rick Scott, the entire Cabinet and many of the state’s 160 lawmakers out on the stump campaigning for re-election, the news about government in Florida has largely moved elsewhere.
There’s some work being done by the courts, which, at least in theory, comprise the least political branch. And the Public Service Commission, with members whose jobs are only indirectly on the line this fall, is still keeping an eye on utilities.
But even those tasks seem to be infused with campaign implications in an overly political season. A lawsuit against the state’s voucher system could cause some headaches for former Gov. Charlie Crist, whose base is divided over the issue. And politicians are sensitive to any PSC decision that could hit consumers — also known as voters — in the wallet.
Meanwhile, the campaign chugs on, with Scott and Crist trading blows over everything from lagoons to wedding dresses. Even as a tragic case in the Gilchrist County town of Bell served as a painful reminder of the real-life decisions that the winners will face when the campaigns end and the work of governing begins.
‘A 9-1-1 CALL TO THE FLORIDA SUPREME COURT’
Ironically, one of the most politically combustible cases working its way through the courts made the quietest progress this week, with the 1st District Court of Appeal deciding to send a challenge to the state’s congressional districts straight to the Florida Supreme Court.
A three-judge panel of the appeals court, in a 2-1 decision, agreed to the relatively unusual move, which is known as “certification.” It marked a victory for voting-rights groups fighting the congressional map, the latest chapter of a long-running battle between opponents of the lines and legislative Republicans. The organizations opposed to the congressional districts argue that they violate a state constitutional ban on political gerrymandering.
The lengthy battle over the lines was one reason that the appeals-court majority said the case should get fast-tracked.
“In this case, any doubts about the need for immediate review by the Supreme Court should be resolved in favor of certification,” said the opinion, written by Judge Philip Padovano and joined by Judge Simone Marstiller.
But in a dissent, Judge Scott Makar disputed the need to quickly send the case to the Supreme Court because the new districts won’t take effect until 2016.
“Certification … amounts to a 9-1-1 call to the Florida Supreme Court: ‘You’re needed now!’ ” Makar wrote. “That call is not justified in this case; ample time existing for the normal appellate process to be followed over the next two years. This (appeals) court can handle the matter expeditiously, leaving more than adequate time for Supreme Court review, if it deems it necessary.”
Leon County Circuit Judge Terry Lewis ruled this summer that two of the state’s congressional districts were unconstitutional, but later found that a revised map approved by the Legislature couldn’t be implemented in time for this year’s elections. Voting-rights organizations object to the revised map and have laid the groundwork to appeal Lewis’ approval of some of the original districts that he didn’t strike down.
Meanwhile, a group calling itself the Save Our Scholarships Coalition pushed for the Florida Education Association to drop a lawsuit challenging the state’s de-facto voucher program. The coalition, which emphasized the benefits of the program to lower-income students, provided the latest reminder of how the battle over vouchers divides the Democratic base in Florida.
The organization consists largely of African-American, Hispanic and Jewish leaders — some of whom have constituents who are parts of key Democratic voting blocs. But the coalition is at odds with the state’s largest teachers union, which often provides resources and organizational muscle for Democratic candidates.
“I cannot for the life of me fathom why these educators are willing to jeopardize the well-being of the state’s poorest students,” civil-rights leader H.K. Matthews said.
At the same time, the fact that the lawsuit challenging the voucher program is also supported by the Florida NAACP and a Jewish rabbi shows how complicated the fissures within Democratic voting blocs really are.
POLITICAL POWER
There are a few groups that politicians will rarely lose points for bashing during a campaign. Bureaucrats are near the top of the list. So are insurance companies. And somewhere in the mix are utility companies, which make a profit from something that is a necessity in everyday life.
So with pressure mounting from Tampa Bay-area politicians, many up for re-election, the Florida Public Service Commission unanimously rejected a staff recommendation to wait, and instead moved ahead with approval of a $54 million credit for Duke Energy Florida customers because of payments made toward a nuclear power plant that won’t be built.
The PSC’s staff wanted the panel to hold off until Duke completes a legal battle with Westinghouse Electric Co.
Duke’s 1.7 million customers in Central and North Florida won’t actually see the money. Instead the credit will be used to shave a few months off an ongoing monthly charge on residential customers of $3.45 per 1,000 kilowatt hours that is imposed for the scuttled nuclear plant in Levy County.
“In my book, I view that (the PSC’s decision) as a credit,” Commissioner Ronald Brise said after the vote. “If I had to pay ‘x’ amount over two or three years and ultimately I’m paying less, I’m receiving a credit. That’s the way I perceive it, and I think that is the way our customers are going to view it.”
In 2012, the utility regulators agreed in a settlement to impose the $3.45-a-month charge to cover previously approved costs and equipment already purchased for the Levy County plant. The fee was set to run into 2017.
Staff noted it could be a year or two before Duke’s legal issues with Westinghouse are settled.
But political currents have been battering utilities lately.
This week, a number of legislators announced plans to push bills during the 2015 session aimed at Duke and other power companies, with the proposals ranging from imposing state lobbying requirements on utility representatives hired to sway the commission to prohibiting a utility from being able to charge customers at a higher rate due to an extended billing cycle.
Prior to the commission meeting, Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, and Attorney General Pam Bondi were among those questioning the PSC staff recommendation that would have allowed Duke to hold onto the $54 million pending the outcome of the Westinghouse litigation.
Bondi sent a letter to Commission Chairman Art Graham before the meeting urging the money be refunded.
“The commission staff’s recent recommendation fails to consider the reality that these customers have been left on the hook for a failed project through no fault of their own,” Bondi wrote Monday. “Duke needs to do the right thing and credit its ratepayers now.”
ANTICIPATING A ‘SENSELESS MURDER’
Meanwhile, the Department of Children and Families released its first effort this week at piecing together what led up to a Gilchrist County man murdering his daughter and six grandchildren before committing suicide, the latest incident in what has become a wave of tragic headlines about the agency.
DCF said Wednesday that it would undertake increased staff training and other reforms in response to the incident, but concluded the rampage could not have been foreseen.
A preliminary report released by the department said the family was involved in 18 child-protective investigations from February 2006 to last month, with the grandfather, Don Spirit, involved in six of the investigations and alleged to be the perpetrator in three of the cases. In one instance, for example, investigators confirmed that Spirit physically abused his then-pregnant daughter, Sarah. She became one of his murder victims Sept. 18 and was the mother of the six dead children.
But the report said investigators could not have known that Spirit would ultimately go on the killing spree.
“The events that unfolded in Bell, Florida, on September 18, 2014, were an incredible tragedy that cuts to the heart of DCF’s mission,” the report said. “The senseless murder of these innocent children and their mother is an extreme outlier. There is no evidence to suggest that anyone, at any time, could have known that Don Spirit was capable of the premeditated and intentional massacre of his six grandchildren, his daughter, and then himself.”
The murders drew national attention to the small town of Bell and led to questions about whether the agency could have done more to protect the children. The department and the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office visited the family’s home as recently as Sept. 2, but the report said a case note indicated that the children were not “in imminent danger of illness or injury from abuse, neglect or abandonment.”
Spirit, 51, used a .45-caliber handgun to shoot his 28-year-old daughter, Sarah, and her children, 11-year-old Kaleb Kuhlmann, 9-year-old Kylie Kuhlmann, 8-year-old Johnathan Kuhlmann, 5-year-old Destiny Stewart, 4-year-old Brandon Stewart, and 2-month-old Alanna Stewart. He then called authorities, waited for them to arrive and shot himself.
In an email accompanying the report, department Interim Secretary Mike Carroll announced a series of actions the agency will take, including immediate retraining for Chiefland-based investigative staff members who handled the Spirit case. Also, Carroll said the department will require statewide training for all child-protective investigators on fact-gathering before the start of investigations.
STORY OF THE WEEK: State utility regulators approve a $54 million credit for Duke Energy Florida customers because of payments made toward a nuclear power plant that won’t be built
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I have been with the department for 25 years. And I thought I had seen it all until this tragedy occurred.”—Interim DCF Secretary Mike Carroll, on a murder-suicide that left eight people dead in Bell.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida