Photos: Century Care Center Celebrates Mother’s Day
May 13, 2013
The Century Care Center hosted a Mother’s Day Picnic Sunday. The family picnic included chicken with sides and homemade ice cream. The Flomaton Lions Club provided corsages for all of Century Care Center’s mothers. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Barry To Hold District 5 Town Hall Monday At Ransom
May 12, 2013
Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry will hold an open forum town hall meeting on Monday at 5:30 p.m. in the Ransom Middle School Cafeteria at 1000 Kingsfield Road in Cantonment.
For more information, contact, Barry’s office on Monday at (850) 595-4950.
Pictured top: Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry (right) listens as Assistant County Administrator Larry Newsom during a late February town hall meeting in Molino. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Working Together To ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ In Escambia, Santa Rosa
May 12, 2013
Area residents really delivered Saturday when asked to help the hungry during the annual “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive.
Tens of thousands of pounds of food were donated during the annual “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive with help of letter carriers and a small army of volunteers. In its 21st year, the food drive collected items in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties for Manna Food Pantries, Bay Area Food Bank, Warrington Emergency Aid, Acts Ministries of Gulf Breeze and We Care Ministries of Navarre United Methodist Church.
United Way of Escambia County, the U.S. Postal Service, National Association of Letter Carriers and Feeding America, Campbell’s Soup Company, Publix, AARP, Valpak, the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, the AFL-CIO, GLS Companies, Source Direct Plastics, Valassis/Red Plum and Uncle Bob’s Self Storage supported the drive this year.
Pictured: Volunteers unload and sort donations to the Stamp Out Hunger food drive Saturday at the Cantonment Post Office. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ethanol Removal, Blackwater Oil Drilling, Nuke Costs Top 2013 Energy Bills
May 12, 2013
After a 2012 focused on major long-term energy issues, the Legislature retreated a bit from high profile energy legislation this year.
Instead, attention was more narrowly focused on altering existing laws regarding the construction of nuclear power plants and the use of ethanol in gas, and in offering some help for the natural gas market.
And that, to some extent, is what is being sent to Gov. Rick Scott.
Other topics, from oil drilling in the Panhandle to imposing regulations for the process known as “fracking” never got a final vote.
For energy companies, no news was good news.
“Florida legislators first and most importantly did no harm in energy related issues,” declared Florida Petroleum Council Executive Director David Mica.
Some of that lack of desire was in part attributed to a lingering fatigue from Agriculture Secretary Adam Putnam’s diverse 2012 energy package – filled with tax credits on biofuels and exemptions for renewable technologies – that received a lukewarm nod of support from Gov. Rick Scott, who allowed the effort to become law without his signature.
Key issues this year:
Ethanol
With relative ease, legislators voted to repeal (SB 320) the 2008 Florida Renewable Fuel Standard Act that requires most gas sold in the state to include nearly 10 percent ethanol.
House Bill sponsor Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, called the law a “flawed business model” for government to require people to buy products.
“Do we believe in free markets or not?” Gaetz asked.
A few lawmakers expressed concerns the repeal would send a signal that Florida wasn’t interested in alternative energies.
Rep. Debbie Mayfield, R-Vero Beach, argued the proposal “does nothing but hurt the businesses that are here in Florida, and it hurts an industry that we are wanting to move to the state of Florida.”
Because of federal ethanol mandates, the proposal may be mostly symbolic.
Natural gas
A measure awaiting Gov. Scott’s pen could increase the number of natural gas vehicles on the road.
The bill (HB 579) exempts natural gas from fuel tax for five years, providing an incentive for companies to expand their fleet of natural gas vehicles.
Nuclear
The Legislature also passed a bill (SB 1472) that would set new benchmarks for electric utilities that want to collect controversial pre-construction fees for nuclear-power plants. But consumers shouldn’t expect refunds when plans are halted, as was the initial desire of Tampa Bay area legislators when they first proposed the bill.
The Senate reluctantly, but unanimously, accepted the House proposal to remove the possibility of refunds for uncompleted projects from the bill that alters a 2006 law aimed at encouraging more nuclear power.
Legislators claim the new benchmarks, which include additional Florida Public Service Commission reviews, will save customers in the long run as the utilities have to continually justify costs to impose and maintain any pre-construction fees.
Underground natural gas storage
Natural gas companies will be able to pump reserves into once-mined and empty natural gas reservoirs under a proposal (HB 1083) that also had little opposition from lawmakers.
Already a common practice in other parts of the country, the measure sets up the permitting process within the Department of Environmental Protection for the underground storage of natural gas piped into the state. The reserves are expected to be located in southwest Florida and northwest Florida.
Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, D-Tallahassee, questioned the potential environmental impacts, particularly to the state’s water supply.
Rep. Dane Eagle, R-Cape Coral, the sponsor of the House bill, said the storage areas are far enough below any water. The bill prohibits a natural gas storage reservoir when it cannot be shown the gas has a chance to migrate into any drinking water supply.
Dyed fuel
Florida is expected to take a $1.9 million hit in the next fiscal year for its shrimp boaters and fishing interests.
Legislators agreed to a measure (HB 423) that lifts the 6 cent tax levied on the sale of dyed diesel fuel used for those in the commercial fishing and shrimping industries.
The fuel is for construction and agriculture proposes and typically cheaper than standard retail fuels. The fuel is dyed red so the U.S. Department of Transportation can tell if it is being used for non-intended highway use.
The state Revenue Estimating Conference estimates the legislation will cut state revenue by $1.9 million in the next year, with the total growing to $2 million a year.
Fracking
Legislators pitched the creation of a registry (SB 1028) for companies planning to use hydraulic fracturing in drilling for gas and oil in Florida.
The process, commonly called ‘fracking,’ injects water, sand and chemicals to create fractures in underground rock formations in order to release of natural gas and oil.
The registry would include a list of the chemicals being used. However, companies could claim trade secrets were involved, which could keep many of the details from the public.
Proponents, in arguments that failed to sway lawmakers in either chamber, claimed the intent was to require any company undertaking the process to declare their intentions.
While no one is using the process in Florida, interest has been expressed to the state Department of Environmental Protection in employing the practice in Collier County.
Critics, who claim the process can contaminate groundwater and cause other damage to the environment, argued the registry is a ploy to open the state to oil and gas “fracking” companies.
Local Utilities
Legislators stayed away from a proposal (HB 733) by Rep. Debbie Mayfield, R-Vero Beach, that stepped into a dispute over utility issues in Indian River County and could have had statewide ramification.
The bill would have given counties the ability to take over utility services in unincorporated areas once existing municipal franchise agreements expire. The bill also would have required municipal utilities that sell water or wastewater services outside incorporated limits to be regulated by the Public Service Commission.
Drilling
Rep. Doug Broxson, R-Midway, withdrew his proposal (HB 431) to allow oil and natural gas exploration in the Blackwater River State Forest less than a month after he introduced the measure.
In February, after a petition reached his desk opposing the proposal, Broxson issued a release saying that the exploration would have only occurred “where drilling and petroleum exploration has already been underway.”
A similar proposal in 2012 got a little further through the committee process but never reached the floor in either chamber.
by The News Service of Florida
National Project Seeks Classes Of 1960-63 From Century High School
May 12, 2013
Fifty-three years after the landmark Project Talent study was first administered, researchers are seeking the classes 1960-63 from Century High School to discover what became of their lives.
In 1960, Project Talent assessed the aptitudes and abilities, hopes and expectations of 440,000 high school students from across America. The study was conducted by the American Institutes for Research (AIR) and the United States Office of Education.
“The Project Talent generation is very important in the history of this country,” says Sabine Horner, Project Talent’s director of outreach and communications. “They came of age during an era of great upheaval and they transformed the United States as we knew it. Project Talent is an opportunity to share their perspectives and experiences in a meaningful way that can benefit future generations.”
Large studies that follow people from adolescence to retirement are both rare and extremely valuable. They allow researchers to make connections between early life experiences and later life outcomes. A new follow-up study can tell us how family and educational background impact the life course, up to and including the retirement process. Researchers can also learn why certain people stay healthier and happier and are more able to enjoy their later life.
Members of the classes of 1960-1963 from Century High School are asked to contact Project Talent to register their interest and provide details of where they can be contacted to receive further information. The group is also interested in any information that can be provided about the whereabouts of other classmates. Participants can call (866) 770-6077, send an email to projectalent50@air.org, or visit the Project Talent website at www.projecttalent.org.
ECAT Launches $25 Summer Pass For Students
May 12, 2013
Students can ride ECAT from Memorial Day to Labor Day for $25.
ECAT has announced the launch of the Student Summer Wheels pass, intended to introduce youth to multiple modes of transportation and provide them with access to every ECAT destination during the summer.
“I am very pleased that ECAT is launching this new program for the youth of Pensacola,” said Mary Lou Franzoni, general manager of ECAT. “The Student Summer Wheels pass is a great value for families and an excellent way for students to explore our city. We hope that students will take advantage of this pass and also learn about public transportation.”
The $25 passes are valid from May 27 until September 2 and can be purchased at the ECAT Administrative Offices located at 1515 Fairfield Drive. Any youth 17 years old or younger is eligible for the pass, and parents should bring proof of their child’s age with them to the offices.
Baby Blue: Local Author Holds Book Signing At Molino Library
May 12, 2013
The Molino Branch Library held a book signing with local author Lloyd Albritton Saturday as he autographed new copies of his new book Baby Blue.
Albritton grew up in Nokomis, Fla., and currently lives in Atmore. Both locations are the setting for Albritton’s first novel. Baby Blue is a fictional story of murder and family tragedy in 1951.
The book is available for purchase or download at Amazon.com.
Pictured top: (L-R) Sean Kahalley and Andrew Cross of the Molino Branch Library, and Baby Blue author Lloyd Albritton. Pictured: Albritton held a book signing a the library on Saturday. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Scallan, Ware Graduate From Basic Training
May 12, 2013
Air Force Airman Ryan T. Scallan and Airman Casey T. Ware have graduated from basic military training.
Airman Ryan T. Scallan
Air Force Airman Ryan T. Scallan graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Scallan is the son of Susan Gray of Pensacola. He is a 2011 graduate of Tate High School in Cantonment.
Airman Casey T. Ware
Air Force Airman Casey T. Ware graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Ware is the son of Shane and Michelle Ware of North Hwy. 99 McDavid, and grandson of Mason Ware of Cantonment. He is a 2012 graduate of Northview High School, Bratt.
Pensacola Blue Wahoos Drop Fourth Straight 7-2
May 12, 2013
The Jacksonville Suns took advantage of a key Pensacola error in the fifth inning, scoring four unearned runs en route to a 7-2 win over the Blue Wahoos on Saturday night at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
With the game scoreless headed to the last of the fifth, Noah Perio grounded a ball to first baseman Joe Mather who had the bouncer deflect off his glove, allowing Perio to reach safely. That opened the floodgates for the Suns against Wahoos starter Tim Crabbe. After a sacrifice bunt and a wild pitch moved Perio to third, Christian Yelich brought him home with a sacrifice fly. Jake Marisnick and Kyle Jensen then launched back-to-back solo homers to make it 3-0. Mark Canha would single home the fourth run of the inning two batters later following a Ryan Fisher double.
Crabbe (2-2) took the loss for Pensacola despite not giving up an earned run. He gave up the four unearned tallies on seven base hits in five innings.
Meanwhile, Jacksonville starter Adam Conley (2-1) mowed through the Pensacola lineup giving up just a fifth-inning bunt single from Devin Lohman over six frames while facing the minimum as Lohman was caught stealing.
Bryson Smith snapped the Wahoos’ scoreless innings streak at 15 frames with a seventh-inning solo homer, his third round-tripper of the season. Smith went 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI to lead the Pensacola attack.
Jacksonville would put the game out of reach in the eighth inning against the combination of Drew Hayes and Shaun Ellis. Perio, Yelich, and Marisnick all brought home runs in a three-fun frame that gave the Suns a 7-1 lead.
Pensacola added a tally in the top of the ninth when Travis Mattair scored on a two-out single from Ryan LaMarre, but Michael Brady got Mather to ground out to end the game.
The Wahoos now return home for a season-long 10-game homestand starting on Sunday with the first of five against the Chattanooga Lookouts. Chad Rogers (2-1, 1.51) will try to stop Pensacola’s four game skid against Chattanooga’s Zach Lee (3-2, 2.15). First pitch is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
story by Kevin Burke
Pictured: Devin Lohman was 2-for-3 with a double in Pensacola’s 7-2 loss on Saturday night. (Emmele Photography).
NorthEscambia Readers Share Mom’s Best Advice
May 12, 2013
For Mother’s Day, NorthEscambia.com invited our Facebook fans to answer the question “What’s the best advice your mom ever gave you?”. Responses are below.
Feel free to add a comment to this story to answer the question or just wish your mom a (belated) Happy Mother’s Day.
What’s the best advice your mom ever gave you?
Willene Bryan: My mama (Levonia Wilson, pictured top) was a very special woman. She raised 11 children and when my oldest sister died she left behind two children in which my mama and daddy raised that were just like sisters to me. Needless to say my mom had her hands full. My daddy worked at the Saw Mill. We didn’t have a lot but there sure was love. Mama always made sure our clothes were cleaned and ironed. She said anybody can be clean all you need is soap and water. She had the old wringer type washing machine and plenty of clothes line outside to hang and dry.
Lindsey Sherill: “This too shall pass!” Good or bad, it puts everything in perspective.
Amanda Lee Siler: My mom gave me my best piece of advice once when I was 15 years old. I was sitting in my room heartbroken because my boyfriend of a few years had broken up with me. Even though she had to work the next morning she came into my room and stayed up with me talking. She told me “Amanda, Men are always going to do you wrong. Don’t ever depend on someone else to make you happy. Be your own person and make yourself happy”. She taught me that its OK not to have a boyfriend and be independent. I may not have listened until I was much older, but her advice rang true. My mother taught me to be the author of my own happiness.
Amanda Cotton Nelson: My mom told me when I was a teenager “Nothing good happens after midnight” and as silly as that may seem its held true in many cases.
Chelsea Parham: My mama’s best advice was her telling me that popularity in high school doesn’t matter. She always told me that once all of us graduated and came into the real world that who you were in high school wouldn’t matter and I’ve come to find out that she was right.
Vicki Gandy Baggett: My mom always said, “Do what you can afford.” Her second best piece of advice was, “Marry someone who makes you laugh.” Wow! What some great advice!
Clint Keesler: Do No Marry Her.
Michelle Gibbs: Mom always told me “Please don’t repeat my mistakes!“
Aimee Cabral: When I was upset over something bad happening in my life, my mom would remind me “life isn’t fair and no one said it would be”. That has helped me so much over the past few years when bad things have happened. It seems harsh and strange, but it has helped me through my divorce, my financial struggles, vehicle troubles, and other hardships. It also reminds me that at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is my Jesus. Not my problems then or even my success now. I tell my children this now when they are upset with friends now. I am reminded I am human, not perfect and neither is anyone else.
Yolander Reynolds: Don’t help anyone that’s not willing to help themselves…RIP Mary D.Jones.
Rebekkah Parker: My mother’s favorite quote to me was “If you can’t believe a fool then be a fool.” I can’t count how many times I failed to take her advice but have learned some good wisdom from being a fool. Love and miss my Mother today in Heaven.
Ernestine Gunn: If you can’t say anything good, don’t say nothing at all.
Janice Parham: Life is too short to worry, hold grudges, or try to please everyone. It is YOUR life, live it YOUR way! It took me YEARS to take this advice…She is 100% right! She could also give ANYONE some awesome gardening tips! She is a 27 year breast cancer survivor and has taught us WELL to live for today! I love you, mamma!
Shannon Jones: “Let that be a lesson to you” whenever there was “teachable moment”.
Bonnie Glass: The best advice mama gave me “stop looking so hard for the right person most likely they are standing besides you” she was right. RIP MAMA & KEN.
Julia Harris: Never go to bed mad at the one you love.