Wahoos Win In Extra Innings
July 31, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (15-25, 46-64) won the series finale in extra innings, 1-0, over the Mississippi Braves (22-18, 61-48). With the win in the 10th inning, the Wahoos snapped their four-game losing streak to the Braves.
The Wahoos finally broke the scoreless tie in the 10th inning. Devin Lohman walked to begin the inning and Ray Chang laid down a sacrifice bunt to move him to second. After a wild pitch moved Lohman to third base, Yorman Rodriguez singled sharply up the middle to give Pensacola the lead. Rodriguez and Kyle Waldrop had multi-hit games for the Wahoos.
In the bottom of the 10th inning, Braves’ left fielder Mycal Jones began the inning with a walk. The Braves had successfully used the running game all series long, but for the second time in the game, Wahoos’ catcher Chris Berset threw out a runner at second. The Braves put together a couple of singles, but Shane Dyer was able to get Barrett Kleinknecht to ground into a double play to end the game.
RHP Michael Lorenzen had a terrific start for the Wahoos; he went 5.0 innings and allowed no runs on three hits. LHP Scott Maine, RHP Tim Adleman and RHP Carlos Gonzalez put together four straight scoreless innings before the game was sent to extra-innings. The trio struck out four batters and allowed just two hits. Gonzalez moved to 3-0 on the season with the win and Dyer earned his 12th save of the season.
RHP Mitch Atkins produced a fantastic start for the Braves. He went 7.0 innings and surrendered six hits while striking out four batters. RHP Jorge Reyes fell for the first time this season for the Braves.
Pensacola continues along their 10-game road trip as they head to Kodak, Tenn. RHP Ben Lively (0-5, 3.68) is set to start game one for the Wahoos. The Tennessee Smokies will send RHP Matt Loosen (4-5, 5.69) to the mound.
by Joey Truncale
Tax Watch: North Escambia’s New $1.1 Million Bridge To (Almost) Nowhere
July 30, 2014
Traffic on Pineville Road in North Escambia was transitioned to a temporary roadway and bridge Wednesday so crews could begin demolishing and replacing the existing bridge over Brushy Creek.
Don’t know where that is? You are not alone. The $1.1 million bridge project funded by the Florida Department of Transportation is on one of the most remote and least traveled dirt roads in Escambia County.
The existing bridge, which inspections have shown is in need of replacement, was constructed in 1967. It’s about two miles off County Road 97A in Enon, a tiny quiet community where most residents take pride in living in the “middle of nowhere”. The bridge, however, does not serve most Enon residents on their normal commute. It’s not a hurricane evacuation route, truck route, or any kind of route. It is (almost) a bridge to nowhere.
The southern end of Pineville Road is a sandy road that winds through literally thousands of acres of timber, mostly owned by La Floresta Perdida, Inc. It’s peaceful, quiet and scenic. The sound of Brushy Creek flowing around white sandy banks is broken only by the wind and birds. There are no power lines out here, and cell service is spotty at best on most carriers.
On the distant side of the bridge, there are maybe a half dozen homes where residents can leave home and either go south on Pineville Road and cross the bridge to reach Highway 97A or go north to Occie Phillips Road to reach 97A. The maximum detour length around the new bridge is 1.9 miles, per FDOT.
“I don’t see why they don’t just close the road instead of spending money on the bridge,” one resident said, not wanting us to use his name because he did not want to upset his few neighbors. “It’s not like it goes anywhere.”
The traffic count on Pineville Road, according to FDOT data, is 40 vehicles per day. That’s less than two vehicles per hour, on average, all day. Many of those, the resident acknowledged, are likely forestry workers, hunters or “kids going to the creek”. But those 40 drivers per day won’t be inconvenienced by a detour on Pineville Road with the construction of a temporary steel bridge opening Wednesday that includes guardrails and paved approaches on the lonely dirt road.
However, when looking toward the future, FDOT estimates traffic on the bridge will increase from 40 vehicles per day to 44 per day by the year 2032.
On the other side of Escambia County, just outside Century, FDOT is replacing a bridge on Fannie Road. The average daily traffic count on that bridge, for comparison, was 1,104 vehicles per day. No temporary bridge was constructed; area residents must take a lengthy detour through Century and Flomaton, Ala., to reach their destination.
The $1,116,299.22 bid to replace the Pineville Road bridge over Brushy Creek and build the temporary detour bridge, was awarded to Murphree Bridge Corporation of Troy, AL. Other bids on the project were from Gulf Group, Inc. for $1.17 million, Scott Bridge Company for $1.48 million and Anderson Columbia for $1.60 million.
The project is expected to be complete sometime this fall.
Pictured: A temporary bridge is now in place next to the soon to be demolished and replaced Brushy Creek Bridge on Pineville Road. The area averages just 40 vehicles per day. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Many Retailers Counting On School Sales Tax Holiday For Bump In Sales
July 30, 2014
The Florida Retail Federation fully supports the upcoming three-day sales tax “holiday” on back-to-school items, with stores expecting to see a 30 percent increase in sales for the weekend.
However, the retail-industry lobbying group would have preferred the holiday period to be, as Gov. Rick Scott requested, at least a week longer. The three-day period begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday.
“Not everybody gets paid on the same schedule,” said John Fleming, a spokesman for the group. “The people who get paid at the end of the month, they’ll be fine. But there are people on that two-week cycle of paychecks. And we have always thought if you extend it to two weekends in a row you’d get more people to take advantage.”
Still, even at one weekend — the same length lawmakers set the previous four years — retailers should see an increase in shoppers from 2013 because of a couple of changes, according to state economists.
The first change raises the tax-free bar on clothing, bags and backpacks from a maximum of $75 per item to $100.
The second waives the collection of sales taxes on the first $750 of computers and related gear, regardless of the overall price of the electronics. Last year, when computer equipment was first introduced into the discount period, items had to cost less than $750.
“I do think it’s going to allow (electronics retailers) to sell more of their product line,” Fleming said. “This expands the ability for people to buy what they need.”
During the discount period, the collection of sales taxes will also be eliminated on certain school supplies costing less than $15 each, such as notebooks, pens and lunch boxes.
Florida economists have projected the “holiday” period will reduce state revenue by $32.3 million and local revenue to the tune of $7.3 million.
The projections are a jump from 2013, when a similar three-day “holiday” hit state revenue by $28.3 million and local government income by $6.4 million.
The projected increase this year is in part due to a higher demand for electronics.
The changes were included as part of the wide-ranging “patchwork of awesomeness” tax package approved by state lawmakers this spring. When combined with a rollback in vehicle-registration fees, the package gave Scott his election-year request for $500 million in cuts to taxes and fees.
The patchwork (HB 5601), so named by one of its chief architects House Finance & Tax Chairman Ritch Workman, R-Melbourne, offered a wide array of tax cuts. They included two other sales-tax holidays: discounts from May 31 to June 8 on hurricane supplies and another tax-free period that will run from Sept. 19 to Sept. 21 on the first $1,500 of the sales price of new Energy Star and WaterSense products.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
How Much Money Are Your Lawmakers Worth?
July 30, 2014
For most state lawmakers, 2013 was another good year financially, regardless of party.
Still, those with an “R” affixed to their names are doing better, in general, when it comes to the bottom line thanks mostly to stronger housing and stock markets.
Updated financial-disclosure reports for 2013 were due July 1. And from the reports posted online, the average net worth in the Senate is just under $3.77 million, while the average net-worth figure is a little more than $1.4 million in the House.
Among local members of the legislature:
- Greg Evers, R-Baker listed a net worth of $1,219,469. He reported income from his senate job and his farm in Okaloosa County. His assets include mostly real estate related to his residence and farm, and farm related equipment, while most of his liabilities were payable on bank loans.
- Clay Ingram, R-Pensacola listed a net worth of $18,807. His only listed income was his legislative job. His assets included a home in Pensacola, while his primary liability was his mortgage.
- Mike Hill, R-Pensacola listed a net worth of $1,273,991. His primary income was from his State Farm insurance agency and his legislative post. His primary assets listed included his home, rental properties, insurancy agency property and investments. His primary liabilities were bank notes.
The totals run from a high of $26 million for outgoing Senate President Don Gaetz to a negative $127,138 for Rep. Darryl Rouson, a St. Petersburg Democrat who remains underwater on a pair of home loans.
Gaetz, a Niceville Republican with two years remaining in the Senate, was a co-founder of VITAS Healthcare Corp. He actually saw his net worth slip slightly in 2013, by about $140,000, from the prior year.
“The decline in my net worth is forcing me to make economies,” Gaetz quipped in an email response. “I’m afraid I will have to cancel some newspaper subscriptions.”
Of the 156 lawmakers who served during both the 2012 and 2013 sessions and whose reports were available, 119 recorded increases in net worth, 35 went down and two posted no change.
The reports represent an individual’s net worth on Dec. 31, 2013. While the reports were due July 1, lawmakers have until Sept. 2 to file them before facing fines.
As of Dec. 31, 2012, the average for all 40 senators stood at $3.34 million. The average for the 120 House members was $1.27 million.
A little more than $30,000 in income for each legislator comes from their state salaries.
Senate Republicans on average are worth $4.3 million per the latest reports, while their House GOP counterparts chime in at an average of $1.7 million. Democrats in the Senate averaged $2.77 million, while in the House the average stands at $865,224.
Of the 40 Senators, 18 are millionaires, one more than during the prior year. In the House, 35 of the 120 members are members of the millionaires club, the same number as the previous year though the list of millionaires does not include all the same representatives.
In the House, 12 members — two fewer than a year earlier — owe more than they’re worth, mostly due to outstanding home, student and auto loans.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Seniors Can Earn Income As Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions
July 30, 2014
The Council on Aging of West Florida is seeking individuals 55 and older in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties who are interested in earning a tax-free stipend and additional benefits while sharing their wisdom, time and talents as a participant in its Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs.
Benefits include: a monthly stipend set by federal guidelines at $2.65 per hour; an annual physical; transportation provided or reimbursed at .445 cents per mile; insurance coverage for on-the-job injuries, and on-going training.
Opportunities are available to both men and women. To qualify for participation, individuals must: be age 55 or older; earn an annual income of no more than 200% above federal poverty guidelines; possess a sincere ability to work with others; be physically capable of working a minimum of 20 hours per week, and pass required background screenings. Bilingual participants are encouraged to enroll in both programs.
Foster grandparents work with children in schools, HeadStart programs and child care centers. Activities may include helping with classwork, reinforcing values and caring for children with disabilities. Foster grandparents generally work four hours per day, Monday through Friday.
Senior companions help their less mobile peers live independently in their own homes by providing friendship and assistance. Activities may include helping with meals, socialization and providing respite to family caregivers.
The Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs are national programs of Senior Corps, funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The programs are sponsored in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties by Council on Aging of West Florida. For more information, please call Robin Stevens at (850) 432-1475 ext. 605 or visit www.coawfla.org.
Scott Visits Escambia Tech Company With 120 New Jobs
July 30, 2014
Gov. Rick Scott visited an Escambia County technology company Tuesday that plans to bring about 120 new jobs to the area.
Scott talked about his plans to create more jobs for Florida at Global Business Solutions, an internet and technology training company on Michagan Avenue.
“In order for Florida to remain a global hub for business, we have to make sure advanced industries are able to thrive and continue to create jobs and diversify our economy. That means developing a well-educated workforce, eliminating roadblocks for job creators and investing in our research institutions. Florida has come a long way, but we have a long way to go – and focusing on jobs for the next generation will ensure that we continue to create long-lasting, high-wage, more resilient careers,” Scott said.
The stop was part of Scott’s “Jobs for the Next Generation” tour, with Scott highlighting new proposals to permanently end sales tax on manufacturing equipment and reward the state’s best STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) teachers with summer residencies at private sector companies.
Pictured: Gov. Rick Scott speaks Tuesday afternoon at Global Business Solutions in Escambia County. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mississippi Downs Blue Wahoos
July 30, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos dropped their fourth straight to the Mississippi Braves, 4-3, on Tuesday night at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss. Robert Stephenson (L, 5-7) was plagued by seven walks over his 4.2 innings of work despite striking out six Braves hitters.
Mississippi scored their first run on a passed ball to match the Blue Wahoos first-inning run and tie the game early. Pensacola re-claimed the lead with a run in the third when Ryan Wright scored from second on a hustle double into shallow centerfield by Travis Mattair.
The Braves did the lion’s share of their damage in the fifth. Robert Stephenson fought his control with three walks in the fifth inning and he allowed just one single before exiting with the bases loaded and two outs and the game tied at two. James Walczak allowed a single to the first batter he faced, Braeden Schlehuber, which scored two runs and gave the Braves all they needed.
Stephenson allowed 4 R/3 ER over his 4.2 inning and matched his season high with seven walks to go with six strikeouts. He surrendered just three hits in the losing effort.
Braves starter Ryan Weber (W, 4-4) picked up the win after allowing just 3 R/ER on eight hits over 6.0 innings. Ryan Kelly (S, 2)came in to work a scoreless ninth for his second save of the year.
The Blue Wahoos will try to stop the skid on Wednesday with RHP Michael Lorenzen (4-5, 2.70) on the mound against Braves RHP Mitch Atkins (5-0, 4.65). First pitch is slated for 7:00 p.m. from Trustmark Park.
by Tommy Thrall
Field Corn Variety Tour Held
July 30, 2014
A Field Corn Variety Tour was held Tuesday at the UF/IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center near Jay.
During the tour, producers and ag officials from across the region had a chance to learn about about 20 different varieties of corn, including heirloom varieties, plus crop and weed management. The event was a joint project of UF/IFAS, the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, and Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Pictured top and bottom: The Field Corn Variety Tour Tuesday at the UF/IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center near Jay. Pictured inset: A tall heirloom variety of corn. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
No Injuries In Cantonment Intersection Crash
July 29, 2014
There were no injuries in a two-vehicle accident Tuesday morning in the intersection of Highway 29 and Muscogree Road. Everyone involved in the 9:45 a.m. crash refused medical treatment. The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Florida Highway Patrol responded to the crash. NorthEscambia.com photo by Ramona Preston, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Pharmacy Closes After 41 Years, Millions Of Prescriptions And A Few Marriages
July 29, 2014
The employees at Cantonment Pharmacy gathered one last time. They shared a few laughs and a lot of tears as they covered the windows with paper and posted a closure notice. The employees, the family, of Cantonment Pharmacy posed for a few photos before saying goodbye. Then, with the turn of the front door lock, a big piece of Cantonment faded into the history books.
Pharmacist John Reading said the decision to close the landmark business after 41 years and millions of prescriptions filled was not an easy one, but necessary. The business, he said, was sold to Winn Dixie, with customer records transferred to their Cantonment store.
“It all came down to the economy, insurance and the big chain stores,” Reading said. “The little guys are just being squeezed out of business.” Small pharmacies, he said, often receive a lower reimbursement rate that big chain stores, and legislation signed by Gov. Rick Scott will only make the problem worse next month.
“We sold to Winn Dixie after they made a fair offer. They are fairly close for our customers, have a fair price and our pharmacies have worked together for years. It was just the best thing for us to do right now.”
“I’m going to miss seeing the people and the families I’ve know for three or four generations. I even performed marriages for a few of them as a notary,” Reading said. “We know the people so well…..we love them.”
Pictured: The employees of Cantonment Pharmacy gathered one last time as the business was closed and sold to Winn Dixie. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
