Lightning Strikes Walnut Hill Home
June 4, 2013
Minor damage to a few electrical outlets was reported after a lightning strike a Walnut Hill home this afternoon. The strike was reported about 4 p.m. at the home in the 5000 block of Highway 97. The Walnut Hill and McDavid stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the call. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Regional Planning Council Presents 5-Year Rural Road And Bridge Plan
June 4, 2013
A five-year transportation improvement plan, including several bridge replacement and shoulder widening projects in the North Escambia area, was presented Monday night to the Century Town Council.
Mary Beth Washnock of the West Florida Regional Planning Council presented the report on transportation projects in the rural part of Escambia County. The projects are expected to take place in the fiscal year 2014-2018 time period. Several of the listed projects have already been completed, or are currently under construction.
The project plans include:
- CR 97A — bridge replacement over Boggy Creek
- Brickyard Road — bridge replacement over Unnamed Branch
- Fannie Road — bridge replacement over Dead Lake
- Pineville Road — bridge replacement over Brushy Creek
- Hwy 97 — bridge replacement over Sandy Hollow Creek
- Hwy 97 — bridge replacement over Little Pine Barren Creek
- CR 196 — bridge replacement over Jacks Branch
- CR 99 — bridge replacement over Pine Barren Creek
- Dortch Road — bridge replacement over Beaver Dam Creek
- CR 99A — bridge replacement over Boggy Creek
- Sandy Hollow Road — bridge replacement over Sandy Hollow Creek
- Gravel Lake Road — bridge replacement over over Pritchett Mill
- Crabtree Church Road — pave shoulders from Sunshine Hill Road to Hwy 97
- CR 196 — pave shoulders from CR 97 to CR 99
- CR 99 — pave shoulders CR 196 to Hwy 97
- Hwy 29 — resurface from Champion Drive to Alabama State Line
- East Pond St., Century — rework R/R crossing
- Hecker St., Century — rework R/R crossing
Pictured top: Work has already been completed on this bridge on Dortch Road near Walnut Hill. Pictured below: A projected view of the Fannie Road Bridge replacement over Dead Lake near Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
New Traffic Signal Active On Nine Mile Road
June 4, 2013
A new traffic signal has been activited on Nine Mile Road at Jernigan Road (at the Scenic Hills Veterinarian Hospital). The signal had been in the flash mode to acquaint motorists with the location.
The new signal is mounted on horizontal mast arms. Since the signal is in the horizontal position, motorists with color weakness problems will need to remember red is on the left and green on the right, according to the Florida Department of Transportation. Drivers are urged to use caution when approaching the intersection.
Tate High Names The Top Of The Class, Presents Senior Awards
June 4, 2013
The Tate High School has named their honors graduates and announced awards to seniors.
Amy Elizabeth Sapp was named the Class of 2013 valedictorian, while Alonna Simone Chastang is salutatorian. There were 43 students (listed below) named to the Top Ten Percent of the class.
Sapp is a four-year member of Tate’s Mock Trial team. She has been awarded “Best Attorney” at the local, state, and national levels. In March, she traveled to Washington, DC , after being selected to represent Florida in the United States Senate Youth Program. Amy is also this year’s Student Council president and National Honor Society president. This summer, Amy will attend the University of Florida to study international relations and later attend law school.
Chastang is vice president of the National Beta club and is a member of the Senior Executive Board. She is an active volunteer and dedicated member of the youth group of Hillcrest Baptist Church. She plans to attend the University of West Florida and study accounting.
Highlights of other scholarships and awards presented during Senior Honors Night included:
Halee Boyd’s mother, Marty, attended the ceremony to accept an award of Fortitude and Endurance for her daughter.
Kathy Varner presented a $1,000 science scholarship to Wesley Collins in memory of Mr. Michael D. Varner. He was a teacher at Tate for over 30 years. This scholarship was given to a student intending to enter the field of science.
Principle Rick Shackle Mr. Rick Shackle presented an Aggie Hero award in memory of Dillon Roberson (Class of 2009). The first scholarship was presented to his younger brother, Tanner Roberson.
Tate’s National Merit finalist, Andrew Belt, received a Presidential Scholarship from the University of Alabama worth $107,350.00.
Additionally, Fortis Institute, Pensacola State College, University of West Florida, University of South Alabama, Huntingdon College, Troy University and the University of Alabama attended the program to present scholarships.
Members of the Tate High School Top Ten Percent are:
- Amy Elizabeth Sapp – Valedictorian (4.925 GPA)
- Alonna Simone Chastang– Salutatorian (4.8589 GPA)
- Jordan Noelle McGowan
- Bailee Cheyenne Johnson
- Kelsey Marie Potoczek
- Andrew Seth Belt
- Travis Lee Walton
- Brooke Michelle White
- Ryan Colton Rogers
- Sarah Nicole Pierre
- Matthew Donald Bailey
- Ryan Edward Lavoie
- McKenzie Dean Ellis
- Jennifer Marie Brown
- Raven Denise Ellis
- Colter Turner Uebelsteadt
- David Derby Moorhead
- Christopher David Levan
- Hannah Marie Malone
- Samuel Benton Wallace
- Lindsey Rae Gordon
- Allen Christopher Dunson
- Raychel Jean Hardy
- Whitney Leigh Patterson
- Benjamin Matthew Minor
- Breanna Starr Riddell
- Khord Jaime Ramirez
- Haley Morgan Johnson
- Lauren Ryan McKinnon
- Matthew Adam Rickard
- Dallas Juliana Nickerson
- William Tanner Newman
- Lauren Elizabeth Chavers
- Rachel Alexandra Merlin
- Audrey Lynn Freeman
- Emily June Lee
- Madison Elizabethann Leonard
- Katelyn Brooke Godwin
- Sarah Catherine Yohnke
- Jonathan Austin Stacey
- Chase Edward Green
- Bailey Mie McCrackin
- Hannah Dawn Thompson
Pinestraw’s Trial Delayed For Toddler Shooting
June 4, 2013
Trial for a Cantonment man previously featured on America’s Most has been delayed for a couple of weeks.
Jury selection was to begin Monday in the trial of 21-year old Dwayne “Money” Pinestraw for the shooting death of 19-month old Ty’Quarius Moultrie on July 15, 2011. Last week, his co-defendant Shaquill Besst, 20, pleaded no contest to a lesser charge of second degree murder and now faces a maximum 20 years in prison for his plea.
Besst is now expected to testify against Pinestraw. Pinestaw’s attorney asked for the delay so she has time to question Besst and prepare for trial.
Putnam Expects Little Backlash From End Of Ethanol Law
June 4, 2013
Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam doesn’t expect a harsh backlash from the renewable-energy industry after Gov. Rick Scott approved a bill that abolishes a state law requiring most gasoline to include nearly 10 percent ethanol.
Scott signed the bill (HB 4001) late Friday to repeal the 2008 Renewable Fuel Standard Act, and groups backing the U.S. ethanol industry quickly blasted the state action.
The signing also caused the head of a biofuel company in Fort Myers to question his comfort level with building a commercial facility in Florida.
But Putnam said that because of federal ethanol mandates the state action is mostly symbolic and there will be no change at most pumps in Florida.
“When Florida passed a state mandate, it didn’t change the makeup of the fuel blends inside the state because there was already a federal mandate,” Putnam said. “Repealing it will not change the makeup of fuel blends in the state either.”
Also, he doesn’t expect a long-term negative reaction, noting that his opposition to repeal changed as he saw the energy industry alter its focus in the past year.
“A year ago, my concern was we would be sending a message to potential investors in the state that Florida was no longer concerned about working on biofuel-related projects,” Putnam told reporters on Monday at the Capitol. “Since then, there have been several high-profile private sector decisions to walk away from biofuel investments in the state of Florida, not because of anything related to Florida, because the sector itself, the private capital has gravitated to fracking and natural gas development.”
Last October, BP backed off plans to build a $300 million cellulosic ethanol plant in Highlands County, instead deciding to focus its biofuel efforts on research, development and licensing.
Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, has said the repeal effort was able to advance this year after Putnam dropped his opposition.
The 2008 law was pushed as a means to create new technology jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce dependence on foreign oil.
In signing the 2013 legislation, Scott wrote that he was trying to reduce regulatory burdens while calling the state law “duplicative” of the Federal Renewable Fuel Standard.
Biofuel industry representatives said Florida should be concerned about the message that comes with the repeal.
Brent Erickson, executive vice president of Biotechnology Industry Organization’s industrial and environmental section, said the repeal sends a “chilling message” that biofuel and biotech is “unwelcome” in Florida.
“Florida has been on the cutting edge in research and development of cellulosic and algae biofuels, as well as new crops for advanced biofuels, such as energy cane,” Erickson said in a release. “Undermining the state’s market for biofuels will discourage further development within the state, potentially driving out innovation, investment and jobs.”
BIO is a global advocate for biotechnology companies and academic institutions.
The Renewable Fuels Association, a trade association for the U.S. ethanol industry, along with Growth Energy, which represents producers and supporters of ethanol, called the 2013 legislation a “lost opportunity for Florida.”
“This toothless legislation might win favor with big oil supporters, but it has closed the door on job creation by the biofuels industry and sent investors packing for more visionary states,” Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen and Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis stated in a joint release.
After the bill was signed, Paul Woods, CEO of Fort Myers-based Algenol Inc., told the Fort Myers News-Press that the repeal could push his company to build its first commercial facility, an estimated $400 million investment, in another state.
“I’ll be looking elsewhere for a site to employ several thousand people,” Woods, who lobbied against the bill, told the News-Press.
Putnam said the state remains committed to a diverse array of energy options, but time is needed for the field of options to grow.
“Given that we are a state with a year-round growing season, the technology and biofuels, eventually, will give Florida a competitive advantage in that space,” Putnam said.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Molino Park Presents End Of The Year Awards Pre-K – First Grade
June 4, 2013
Here are end of the year awards presented to Molino Park Elementary School students in Pre-K to first grade:
PRE – K
Good Citizenship
- Destiny Abrams
- Aadan Adams
- Dallas Batz
- Ora Bryan
- Ayden Crabtree
- Garrett Crabtree
- Shay Crosby
- Lily Driver
- Deserae Fryman
- Chase Garrett
- John Hatch
- Bailey Herrington
- Conner Hetherington
- Riana Hillard
- Chet Knable
- Gus Leatherberry
- Darla Massey
- Caelen McKillion
- Mary Oliver
- Dominic Picheo
- Brodie Pitts
- Kamerson Shaw
- Destiny Spencer
- Layton Woodward
Accelerated Reader – Most Books Read
- Aadan Adams – Mrs. Blackburn
- Ayden Crabtree – Mrs. Crites
- Dominic Picheo – Mrs. Hamric
KINDERGARTEN
Good Citizenship
- Trae Ardeneaux
- Austin Batz
- Camden Beaty
- Dylan Boyington
- Nehemiah Delarosa
- Mailyn Duke
- Alley Enfinger
- Kambrie Faircloth
- Jericha Finlay
- Nolan Goetter
- Izzy Hetherington
- Kaylie Johnson
- Grayden Johnson-Sheffield
- Aubree Jordan
- Caleb Larson
- Savannah McCullough
- Cherry Murphy
- Emma Nigam
- Brayden Pigg
- Lauren Pardue
- Caleb Rea
- Naoki Rogers
- Rylee Rogers
- Ricky Shaw
- Logan Shoffner
- Brooklyn Summerlin
- Nathan Thompson
- Keeley Wiggins
- Brooke Wilson
- Eli Woodruff
- Abbigail Woods
- Elijah Varela
All ‘S’ Honor Roll
- Austin Batz
- Camden Beaty
- Alley Enfinger
- Kambrie Faircloth
- Jericha Finlay
- Nolan Goetter
- Aubree Jordan
- Caleb Rea
- Naoki Rogers
- Rylee Rogers
- Logan Shoffner
- Brooklyn Summerlin
- Keeley Wiggins
Outstanding Behavior – Miss Cristofoletti
- Aiden Harris
- Hunter Manning
Most Improved All Around – Mrs. Greene
- Jacob Wood
Writing Excellence – Mrs. Greene
- Kristopher Kelley
Best All Around Student – Mrs. Ledger
- Morgan Salmon
Most Improved Student – Mrs. Ledger
- Grayden Johnson-Sheffield
FIRST GRADE
Good Citizenship
- Darius Abrams
- Jade Allen
- Jarret Bodiford
- Robbie Bodiford
- Kelsey Boykin
- Nathan Caston
- Riley Crites
- Evan Crosby
- Moses Delarosa
- Matthew Dix
- Kylie Grantham
- Lilly Hatch
- Amber Irby
- Bobbie-Sue Jarrell
- Sylvia Jarrell
- Robert Lee
- Austin Manning
- Leila Mason
- Chance McElhannon
- Anna McKee
- Addison Pawless
- Evin Pedicord
- Chloe Ragsdale
- Brodie Rhodes
- Dylan Settle
- Dequan Shabazz
- Brenson Silcox
- Chance Smith
- Colten Taylor
- Brier Thompson
- Trey Thompson
- Ralin Trump
- Domanique Turner
- Dylan Wood
- Carley Woodfin
- Brooklyn Zylstra
Perfect Attendance
- Jarrett Bodiford
- Robbie Bodiford
- Matthew Dix
- Lilly Hatch
- Chance McElhannon
- Lillie Weber
‘A’ Honor Roll
- Kelsey Boykin
- Kylie Grantham
- Lilly Hatch
- Austin Manning
- Leila Mason
- Chance McElhannon
- Evin Pedicord
- Chloe Ragsdale
- Lavon Taylor
- Lillie Weber
- A/B Honor Roll
- Darius Abrams
- Kendall Alvare
- Kyler Boutwell
- Nathan Caston
- Niko Champagne
- Riley Crites
- Matthew Dix
- Emma Grimm
- Amber Irby
- Bobbie-Sue Jarrell
- Sylvia Jarrell
- Trinity Scroggins
- Dylan Settle
- Colten Taylor
- Brier Thompson
- Brooklyn Zylstra
Most Improved – Mrs. Calhoun
- Robbie Bodiford
Most Effort – Mrs. Calhoun
- Darius Abrams
Most Improved – Mrs. Lowery
- Sylvia Jarrell
Most Effort – Mrs. Lowery
- Addison Pawless
Most Improved – Mrs. Venable
- Makayla Golson
Best Effort – Mrs. Venable
- Harley Edmonson
Most Sunshine Math Points in 1st Grade
- Anna McKee
Biscuits Edge Wahoos 9-7
June 4, 2013
The Montgomery Biscuits scored three runs in the eighth to put the Blue Wahoos away in an eventual 9-7 win over Pensacola to even the five-game series at a game apiece at Montgomery’s Riverwalk Stadium.
Pensacola used five Biscuits errors to score in four separate innings. The Blue Wahoos claimed an early lead with a pair of first-inning runs, but the Biscuits countered with two of their own. After Pensacola claimed another brief lead with run in the top of the third, the Biscuits responded with four in the bottom of the fame to take the lead for good.
The Blue Wahoos scratched across another run in the fourth, but the game remained 6-4, until the Biscuits opened up a 9-4 lead in the bottom of the eighth. Wahoos starter Ryan Dennick (2-6) was charged with the loss after allowing all nine Montgomery runs, eight were earned, in the longest start by a Pensacola pitcher this season. He recorded one out in the eighth, but left with the bases loaded, and all three came home against reliever Josh Ravin. The eight runs allowed by Dennick were a season high.
The Blue Wahoos added some suspense with three runs in the top of the ninth after a pair of Biscuits errors extended the inning. Pensacola got the tying run to the plate but couldn’t get the game evened up. David Vidal led the Wahoos offensively with a 2-for-3 game. He added a walk, an RBI and run scored. Devin Lohman also had a two-hit game with a run scored.
Cameron Seitzer did a majority of the damage for the Biscuits with a 3-for-4 night with two runs scored and three RBI. His two-run double in the third inning was the hit that put the Biscuits ahead, and his single in the eighth started the Montgomery rally that led to their three late insurance runs.
Biscuits starter Jake Thompson got the win after allowing four runs, two earned, in 5.1 innings. He walked five and struck out five. C.J. Riefenhauser earned a two inning save despite allowing three runs in the ninth. All three runs he allowed were unearned. Of the Wahoos seven runs scored against Biscuits pitching, only two were earned. The seven runs were the most they have scored in a loss this season.
The series continues on Tuesday night at Riverwalk Stadium. Pensacola will turn to RHP Daniel Renken (1-4, 3.77) against Biscuits RHP Merrill Kelly (4-5, 3.73). First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m.
Valentino, Broxson Touting Escambia County On Panama Trip
June 3, 2013
Escambia County Commissioner Gene Valentino and Rep. Doug Broxson are joining state leaders on trip beginning today to Panama to visit the Panama Canal expansion project, meet with government officials and tour manufacturing sites.
The canal is currently undergoing expansion that seeks to double its capacity by 2015 by building two new locks, one each on the Atlantic and Pacific sides. The expansion will also excavate new channels to the locks, widen and deepen existing channels and raise the maximum operating level, allowing for larger ships to utilize the canal.
By capitalizing on the economies in Central and South America and the growing East-West trade routes, Florida has the opportunity to become a leading trade and logistics hub for the United States. “The expansion of the Panama Canal has the potential to bring more than 140,000 new jobs to Florida, and this trip will be an excellent opportunity to promote Florida’s ports,” said Broxson (pictured).
During his time in Central America, Commissioner Valentino will meet with various business leaders. Valentino will discuss the many positive qualities Escambia County has to offer international companies looking to expand their presence in the United States.
Florida has fifteen seaports, including three in the Panhandle – the Ports of Pensacola, Panama City and Port St. Joe. According to the Florida Ports Council, cargo and cruise activity currently supports more than 680,000 jobs in Florida. Florida’s ports contribute $96.6 billion of output to the state’s economy (including $26.1 billion in personal income and wages), which is equivalent to approximately 13% of Florida’s Gross Domestic Product. They also generate $2.4 billion in state and local taxes, in addition to $4.7 billion in federal taxes.
“By further establishing relationships with our foreign partners, we can ensure they are aware of the unique benefits our ports in the Panhandle offer to businesses throughout the region and the world.”
Broxson and Valentino will return to the U.S. on Saturday, June 8.
Tate Class Of 2013 Holds Baccalaureate Service
June 3, 2013
The Tate High School Class of 2013 held their Baccalaureate Service Sunday afternoon at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola. Graduation for the class will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Pensacola Bay Center.
Pictured top: The Tate High Class of 2013 Baccalaureate Service at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola on Sunday. Pictured inset: Longtime Tate government teacher Dale Gilmore addresses the crowd at Olive Baptist. Pictured below. Tate Principal Rick Shackle, Vice Principal Terry Colburn and Escambia School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas listen to the service. Photos by Mona Baker for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
