Weather Causes Scattered Power Outages, Downs Trees
March 28, 2014
Scattered power outages were reported Frodau morning by both Gulf Power Company and Escambia River Electric Cooperative. Most of the outages were small, impacting just a few customers each. Pictured above: A tree down across power lines and Molino Road near Highway 99 that caused an estimated six Gulf Power customers to lose power. Submitted photo by Tom Dickson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Leaders Looking Toward China To Land Local Jobs
March 28, 2014
Two Century leaders are in Dothan today with their eyes on China for possible jobs.
Mayor Freddie McCall and Century Chamber Economic Development Coordinator Cindy Anderson are attending the U.S.-China Manufacturing Symposium. Co-organized by SoZo Group and China Chamber of International Commerce, the symposium brought to about 400 Chinese businessmen looking to bring businesses to American soil.
The Dothan event is the combination to two events, including the smaller Alabama-China Partnership Symposium that was held a few years ago in Monroeville, Ala. That event paid off for Thomasville, , a town of 4,209 people just over 100 miles northwest of Century, landed a deal with the Golden Dragon copper tubing plant that now employs over 100 people with plans to triple that workforce in the next year. The town was able to recruit the Chinese plant that employees local Thomasville residents without ever traveling to China.
Century was the only small Florida Panhandle community invited to participate.
Century’s price tag for attending the event includes $2,400 in registration fees, hotel expenses for McCall (Anderson’s lodging is being paid for by the Century Chamber), and $1,253 for ad agency Ideawörks to create and print 500 tri-fold brochures promoting Century.
Mira Awards Honor Escambia’s Most Creative High School Seniors
March 28, 2014
Seventy of Escambia County’s most creative high school seniors were honored Thursday night during the 2014 Mira Creative Arts Awards Banquet at New World Landing.
Mira Creative Arts Awards recipients were nominated for the award by their high school teachers and will receive commemorative engraved medallions as well as Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Jeff Miller.
Northview High School
- Kasie Braun, Graphic Arts
- Taylor Brook, Instrumental Music
- Hunter Dettling, Instrumental Music
- Morgan Digmon, Dance
- Anna Donald, Theatre
- Anna Fischer, Dance/Journalism
- Cory Hester, Instrumental Music
- Justin King, Journalism
- Chloe Leonard, Dance
- Victoria Wright, Graphic Arts
Tate High School
- Eion Blanchard, Vocal Music
- Jacob Charles, Instrumental Music
- Raylee Cowart, Journalism
- Adrianna Cutaio, Drama
- Arielle Foster, Creative Arts
- Graham Gardner, Instrumental Music
- Jack Gonzalez, Graphic Arts
- Noah Heintz, Instrumental Music
- Justin Ritchie, Visual Arts
- Chance Taylor Sturup, Debate
West Florida High School
- Garrett Brooks, Theatre
- Jasmine Keiarra Clark, Theatre
- Dominic Jacob Estares, Instrumental Music
- Teal Garth, Mulitmedia
- Lindsey Briana Granger, Visual Arts
- Miller Hawkins, Journalism
- Tabbitha Bree Kirby Manzanet, Visual Arts
- Scooter Nix, Journalism
- Shelby Spiegelhalter, Multimedia
- Krista Leigh Weaver, Instrumental Music
Escambia High School
- Danica Rose AlinsodApin, Journalism
- Cody Edward Blum, Digital Media
- Zachary Callahan, Instrumental Music
- Christopher Epps, Culinary Arts
- Emily Hausner, Theatre
- Katie Winters, Visual Arts
- Shelby Leclaire, Vocal Music
- Ryan Murphy, Instrumental Music
- Taylor Renae Walden, Visual Arts
- Ashton Williams, Instrumental Music
Pensacola High School
- Mary Catherine Bond, Visual Arts
- Freda Britton, Color Guard
- Keegan Jo Heye, Drama
- Pauline Lara, Drama
- Kathryn Maher, Photography
- Clara Noelle Ortega, Visual Arts
- Victoria Patton, Drama
- Cyrus Barron Player, Instrumental Music
- Anne Marie Tamburro, Instrumental Music
- Krista Woods, Instrumental Music
Pine Forest High School
- Diamond Brundidge, Vocal Music
- Megan Krist, Digital Production
- Katelyn Newsom, Journalism
- Rachael Nipple, Theatre
- Brittani Osborn, Yearbook
- Leonardo Reeves-Casas, Industrial Technology
- Rosa Reeves-Casas, Visual Arts
- Desjuan Waiters, Culinary Arts
- Asia Walker, Fashion Design
- Savannah Wright, Instrumental Music
Washington High School
- Savannah Rae Caton, Visual Arts
- Sarah Emily Crawford, Instrumental Music
- Marcus Gillard, Instrumental Music
- Mark Hibyan, Instrumental Music
- Alyx Levesque, Drama
- Colleen Mason, Visual Arts
- Meagan McNease, Instrumental/Vocal Music
- James Safko, Visual Arts
- Kayla Simoné Townsend, Vocal Music
- Carla Villafane, Vocal Music
In 1987, a group of teachers at J. M. Tate High School created the Mira Awards to recognize talented and creative students in the arts and sciences. The following year, the committee approached the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation to bring the awards under its umbrella and to initiate county-wide student participation each year in the areas of writing, performing and visual arts, and other creative disciplines. The term “Mira” is Latin for the name of the brightest star in the constellation Cetus.
Pictured top: Northview High School Mira winners (L-R) Morgan Digmon, Anna Donald, Victoria Wright, Taylor Brook, Chloe Leonard, Anna Fischer, Justin King, Hunter Dettling and Cory Hester. Submitted photo by Connie Brook for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
State Drops Election Year Voter Purge
March 28, 2014
In an election-year turnaround, Gov. Rick Scott’s administration is dropping a problematic voter purge aimed at keeping non-U.S. citizens from casting ballots.
In the fall, Secretary of State Ken Detzner held five forums with supervisors of elections and the public seeking input on what he called “Project Integrity,” a revamped process in which voter registration records were to be matched with a federal database to ensure that prospective voters were eligible to participate in elections.
But on Thursday, Detzner sent supervisors a memo saying he is scrapping the scrub.
Detzner blamed changes to the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Eligibility, or SAVE, database, for his decision.
“In early February, we received notice that the Department of Homeland Security’s SAVE program would be undergoing a multi-phase redesign. On February 23, Phase One was officially launched and included, at a minimum, a revised screen design, new fields and features,” Detzner wrote to the supervisors.
“These changes will enhance and improve the credibility and reliability of the potential ineligible matches, but DHS anticipates Phase Two will not be complete until 2015. For these reasons, with your input, I have decided to postpone implementing Project Integrity until the Federal SAVE Program Phase Two is completed,” he wrote in a memo issued after a conference call with the supervisors.
Many supervisors — the only officials who have the authority to remove voters from the rolls — were wary of the new process despite assurances from Detzner that it would include documentation that targeted voters who were ineligible to vote.
“I politely informed the secretary that Florida could not afford to repeat what happened in 2012,” Pasco County elections supervisor Brian Corley told The News Service of Florida after Thursday’s call with Detzner. “If there were concerns about it being done right and the timing of it, then I was all for delaying for that reason.”
The 2012 voter purge, which Corley called “an embarrassment,” was the brainchild of Scott, who is running for re-election this fall.
But supervisors abandoned the 2012 effort after discovering that the lists of voters flagged by Detzner’s office as potential non-citizens were riddled with errors.
Of the 2,600 targeted voters, 85 were found to be ineligible to vote and dropped from the rolls. After the U.S. Department of Justice sued Scott over the purge, Scott took the Obama administration to court to get access to the database. A deal between the state and the Department of Homeland Security was struck last year.
Critics of the purge accused Scott of trying to prevent minorities in Florida — a critical swing state — from voting in the 2012 presidential election because many of the voters on the list had Hispanic-sounding last names. Hispanics are considered a crucial voting bloc in the upcoming governor’s race.
Detzner’s announcement comes as Scott’s campaign is embroiled in a drama related to former finance chairman Mike Fernandez’s resignation from the team. Fernandez complained, in part, about campaign officials ignoring his advice about how to deal with Hispanics.
Fernandez, a billionaire who raised more than $30 million for the governor’s re-election effort, quit the team last week. In a series of internal e-mails leaked to The Miami Herald and Politico, Fernandez, who is Cuban, criticized the campaign for being insensitive to Hispanics. The Herald reported that Fernandez complained about two campaign aides making jokes in a Hispanic accent while en route to a Mexican restaurant.
Scott’s campaign manager Melissa Sellers said that Fernandez was not in the van when the reported comments were made.
“If something was said in an accent, no one remembers what it was. We are a diverse organization and we do not tolerate inappropriate comments,” Sellers said in an e-mail.
Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Allison Tant accused Scott’s team of an attempt at “damage control” with the purge.
“Now, embroiled in a scandal involving racist jokes targeting Hispanics, the governor suddenly has made (an) about-face and suspends the latest attempt to kick voters off of the voting rolls — attempts that have overwhelmingly targeted Hispanics in the past. It is now clear to all that the original reasons given for the voter purge (were) mere pretexts to intimidate voters Rick Scott would frankly rather not vote,” Tant said in a statement. “While this move is clearly an act of damage-control from a campaign in chaos, this represents a major victory for the people of Florida who have suffered so many voter suppression efforts under the Rick Scott administration.”
by Dara Kim, The News Service of Florida
Senate Panel Appoves Raising Florida’s Speed Limits
March 28, 2014
As the speed limit is increased from 55 to 60 mph Friday on I-10 from Davis Highway to west of Highway 29 in Escambia County, a measure that could raise the speed limits by 5 mph Florida roads zoomed through its final Senate stop.
With a 15-4 vote, the panel approved the measure (SB 392) that directs the state Department of Transportation to determine the safe minimum and maximum speed limits on all divided highways that have at least four lanes.
Supporters of the bill say many drivers are already going faster than the current top rate of 70 mph. But critics, including Negron, say increasing speeds could lead to more accidents.
Negron, R-Stuart, contends that government-imposed speed limits have helped decrease highway injuries and fatalities because studies show that drivers have a greater likelihood of crashing at higher speeds.
“I think that once you start getting into the 80s and 90s that the opportunity for serious injury and death go up significantly,” said Negron, who noted that many motorists already drive nine to 10 mph above the posted limit.
The bill could eventually allow state transportation officials to increase speed limits on Florida’s “limited access highways” to 75 mph and raise the maximum posted limits on divided four-lane highways in sparsely populated rural areas from 65 mph to 70 mph. The transportation department could hike speeds to 60 mph on other roads they deem safe. And the department would also have the authority to set minimum speeds on certain highways.
“What’s important is that people travel at the same speeds,” Sen. Jeff Clemens, a Lake Worth Democrat and co-sponsor of the bill, said after the meeting. “If you have people who are able to travel at a much higher speed, traveling with people who are traveling at a much lower speed, that’s what’s actually creating a much more dangerous situation on our highways.”
Florida’s highways have had a 70 mph maximum since 1996, the last time the speed limit was reviewed.
In other states, higher speed limits have resulted in more deaths from speeding accidents because drivers’ reaction times are reduced and the severity of injuries is intensified, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The Senate proposal is now geared up for a full vote, but the House companion (HB 761) has been idling in the Economic Affairs Committee, the bill’s final scheduled stop, for more than three weeks.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.
Four Northview Lifters Qualify For Regionals
March 28, 2014
Four Northview athletes qualified to complete at the regional boy’s weightlifting meeting April 9 in Panama City.
Advancing to the regionals were:
- Everette Garvey (JR) in the 119-lb. class. Everette had a 150-lb. bench press and a 135-lb. clean and jerk for a total of 285-lbs., which earned him a first place finish in the weight class.
- Dezmine Moorer (SO) in the 154-lb. class. Dezmine had a 215-lb. bench press and a 185-lb. clean and jerk for a total of 400-lbs., which earned him a second place finish in the weight class.
- Jacob Weaver (FR) in the 199-lb. class. Jacob had a 175-lb. bench press and a 165-lb. clean and jerk for a total of 340-lbs., which earned him a third place finish in the weight class.
- Austin Whitehead (SO) in the HVY class. Austin had a 250-lb. bench press ans a 225-lb. clean and jerk for a total of 475-lbs., which earned him a third place finish in the weight class.
Northview’s top lifter, senior Luke McDaniel who lifts in the 219-lb. class, sustained an injury during the meet and was not able to finish. McDaniel had won each of his previous meets this season.
The regional meet will be held April 9 at Arnold High School with 17 schools competing.
West Florida Lady Jags Win Daytona Beach Grand Slam
March 28, 2014
The West Florida Lady Jags won the Third Annual Daytona Beach Slam recently. The Lady Jags went 4-0 in the tournament and remain undefeated on the season. Pictured: (front, L-R) Kayla Miller, Jasmyn Nguyen, Nachelle Watson, Korina Rosario, Kristin Gunter, Emily Loring, Lauren Carnley, (back) Coach Angie Johnson, Maegan Freeman, Ali Cutaio, Farrah Nicholas, Head Coach Jessica Smith, Jordaine Watkins, Manager Kathleen Smiley, Breana Rogers, Danyelle Black, Jibrasha Moore and Coach Gary Jackson. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
E-Cigarettes Bill Draws Fire
March 28, 2014
Nobody in the Capitol, it seems, wants minors to buy electronic cigarettes.
But an effort to ban sales of the trendy nicotine-delivery tubes to people under 18 has run into controversy in the state House.
Health groups and local governments are criticizing a bill (HB 169) that would ban e-cigarette sales to minors because the measure also would prevent cities and counties from passing their own regulations on the sales of electronic cigarettes and tobacco products.
The House Regulatory Affairs Committee on Thursday voted 12-5 to approve the bill, after the proposed ban on local regulations — known in Tallahassee-speak as state “preemption” — drew criticism from groups such as the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society, the Florida League of Cities and the Florida Association of Counties.
Rep. Frank Artiles, a Miami Republican who is sponsoring the bill with Rep. Ronald “Doc” Renuart, R-Ponte Vedra Beach, said the bill seeks uniformity in the regulation of sales. Among the backers of the bill is the Florida Retail Federation.
“We can’t have 415 cities and 67 counties doing different ordinances,” Artiles said.
Electronic cigarettes have become increasingly popular as they allow users to inhale vaporized nicotine without all the health risks of smoking regular cigarettes. While supporters point to those health benefits, critics of “e-cigarettes” warn that the devices can hook people on nicotine, which could lead to use of other tobacco products.
The Senate has already unanimously passed a bill (SB 224), sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, that would ban the sale of e-cigarettes to minors. But that bill does not have the controversial preemption of local regulations.
A House analysis said several cities and counties, including Clay County, Alachua County, Indian River County and Marion County, have passed local regulations about e-cigarettes. As an example, Clay County passed an ordinance in 2013 that regulates the sales, marketing and public use of the devices, according to the analysis.
Casey Cook, a lobbyist for the Florida League of Cities, objected to the part of the House bill seeking to prevent local regulations, saying cities and counties should be able to “respond to their constituents.”
Artiles said his preemption proposal only addresses regulation of the sale of e-cigarettes and tobacco products, not other issues such as the use. Also, he said the proposal is aimed at preventing local governments from passing new regulations and would not affect already-existing local regulations.
But preemption has long been controversial on smoking-related issues. For example, state law bars smoking in most indoor workplaces but also does not allow local governments to pass tougher smoking restrictions.
Brenda Olsen, chief operating officer of the American Lung Association in Florida, said such preemption laws interfere with efforts to help protect people’s health.
But Rep. Jose Felix Diaz, R-Miami, questioned opposition to the bill, pointing to growing use of electronic cigarettes among middle- and high-school students.
“This bill is getting these products out of the hands of children up to the age of 18,” Diaz said.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Four Critically Injured In Head-On Wreck North Of Flomaton
March 27, 2014
Four people were critically injured in a head-on collision on a dirt road north of Flomaton Thursday afternoon.
A pickup truck and Jeep Cherokee collided on Hall Creek Road between Sardine Road and Highway 113 about 12:30 p.m. At least two people, were airlifted to Pensacola hospitals in two different LifeFlight helicopters. Two other people were transported by ambulance to area hospitals. The teens involved reportedly ranged in age from 17-19.
Further details have not yet been released by Alabama State Troopers as they continue their investigation.
Responding agencies included the Flomaton Fire Department, the Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County (FL) EMS, Atmore Ambulance, D.W. McMillan (Brewton) Ambulance, Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office and Alabama State Troopers.
The accident site is about 10 miles north of the Alabama/Florida state line.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
The Blues Are Back In Town: Over 25,000 Turn Out For Practice
March 27, 2014
Over 25,000 people turned out Wednesday morning to watch the Blue Angels in their first public practice of 2014 aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola.
Coming off a year with most of their shows canceled due to budget cuts, the Blues were back in Pensacola with a show that wowed the huge crowd with spectacular aerial feats. Following the show, the pilots signed autographs for hundreds in the National Museum of Naval Aviation.
The Blue Angels have changed their Tuesday and Wednesday weekly practice demonstration times onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola (NASP) for the 2014 air show season. The scheduled practice demonstrations will now begin at 11:30 a.m. onboard the air station.
Next month, Blue Angels are scheduled to practice in Pensacola on April 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 29, 30 behind the museum. Autographs are signed after the Wednesday practices only. Admission and parking are free.
Pictured top and inset: The Blue Angels practice Wednesday morning at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Pictured below: The Blues meet fans and sign autographs in the Museum of Naval Aviation. NorthEscambia.com photos by Ditto Gorme, click to enlarge.
