FWC Proposes Rule On Importing Deer From Other States
May 9, 2013
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wants to hear from deer enthusiasts and those who have deer farms or hunting preserves about a proposed rule change that would prohibit the importation of live captive deer into Florida from out-of-state sources.
The change is being proposed in an effort to reduce the chances of chronic wasting disease (CWD) being introduced into the state. CWD is not known to affect people.
The disease, which has been discovered in 22 states, two Canadian provinces and in South Korea, is a contagious neurological disease affecting deer, elk and moose. It is similar to mad cow disease, always fatal, and there is no known cure or vaccine for the animals.
The rule-change proposal will go before the Commission at its June 13 meeting in Lakeland, and the FWC encourages all those who have an interest to go to MyFWC.com/Deer and select “Captive Cervids” to read about what is being proposed and offer any comments, questions or concerns they may have.
To learn more and comment on the proposal, click here.
Girl, 11, Hit While Trying To Cross Street
May 9, 2013
An 11-year old girl was seriously injured when she was hit by a car while trying to cross the street Wednesday afternoon in Ferry Pass.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 61-year old Patricia Porter of Pensacola was traveling west on Escambia Johnson Avenue near the Winding Lane intersection. The FHP said 11-year old Cierra L. Holt ran across the road and into the path of the Mustang.
Holt was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in serious but stable condition.
The FHP said their preliminary investigation showed Porter was traveling at the 35 mph speed limit. No charges have been filed in the accident.
Weekend Golf Tourney To Benefit Miracle League
May 9, 2013
The Scenic Hills Men’s Golf Association is sponsoring a golf tournament on behalf of The Miracle League of Pensacola on Saturday, May 11 beginning at 9 a.m.
Cost is $50 per golfer, which includes green fees, cars, food and beverages.. Contact John Eisinger at (850) 477-5869; Jerry Huggard at (850) 291-2036; Mark Gray at (850) 380-5753 or the Scenic Hills Golf Shop at (850) 476-0611.
Ernest Ward Names Students Of The Month
May 9, 2013
Ernest Ward Middle School has named Students of the Month for April. They are (L-R) Taryn Janes, sixth grade; Fisher Spence, seventh grade; and Elizabeth Wright, eighth grade. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Won’t Intervene In Woman’s Parking Dispute With Business
May 9, 2013
A Century woman is battling with a neighboring small business over parking, and the Town of Century is taking a hands off approach, staying out of the fight.
Gail Aldridge, a resident of 9032 North Century Boulevard, approached the Century Town Council seeking help due to customers at a neighboring plant nursery parking on her property. Mayor Freddie McCall said it’s a private property dispute, and Aldridge needs to hire a lawyer.
Despite a postal address on North Century Boulevard, Aldridge’s property does not front on any roadway; it’s accessed from a driveway and easement from nearby Zion Street, behind the First Mt. Zion Church. The same driveway provides access to the nursery property, and Aldridge said the driveway and access to and from her property is often blocked by nursery customers.
She said “that does not give them the right to take my front yard for their business”.
Aldridge chose former Century councilman Henry Hawkins to speak on her behalf the council. “All Mrs. Aldridge wants is to be able to get out of her property when she wants to,” Hawkins said.
Aldridge has called the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, but deputies have not become involved because they believe it’s a civil, rather than criminal, issue.
McCall said he has been called to the location several times, including once when he was told “to hurry up and get up there because there is going to be a fight or a killing”.
“It’s a civil matter and they need to get a lawyer and let a judge…take care of that,” McCall said.
Pictured top: A map from the Escambia County Property Appraiser shows the location of Aldridge’s property relative to the neighboring plant nursery. Pictured inset: Henry Hawkins speaks on behalf of Gayle Aldridge (right) during a Century Town Council meeting. Pictured below: The area in front of Aldridge’s home that she says is being blocked by nursery customers. Pictured bottom: The nursery adjacent to Aldridge’s home. Courtesy images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Police, Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office Honor Fallen Officers
May 9, 2013
Thursday morning, the Pensacola Police Department held its annual Law Enforcement Memorial to honor those that have died in the line of duty.
Wednesday, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office held a Law Enforcement Memorial Service to honor fallen officers from across the state. The ceremony included a 21-gun salute, an Honor Guard flag presentation and a bagpipe performance of Amazing Grace.
Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
West Florida Literacy Foundation Receives Grant For Scholar Poet Performance
May 9, 2013
Florida Humanities Council has awarded Pensacola’s West Florida Literary Federation a $15,000 grant to bring noted scholar-poet-performer Kwame Dawes to Pensacola for “Art in Motion: From the Gallery to the Theatre”.
An Emmy winner and prize-winning poet, Dawes is currently the Glenna Luschei Editor of Prairie Schooner at the University of Nebraska, where he is a Chancellor’s Professor of English. He will perform in Pensacola on October 24. Along with Dawes, the evening will feature the paintings of local cultural artist Sonja Griffin Evans brought to life by the dancers of MJJ Praise and choreography of Nielah Black-Spears. Evans’ paintings Cotton Conversation, The Washer Woman and The Welcome are symbolic of the industrious free women of color who picked the cotton, wove the cloth, washed the clothes and then used the profits to assist others reach their freedom. The opening act also includes the “Spirits of the Heroes,” a tribute to African-Americans who helped settle Pensacola.
Two mini-events prior to Dawes’ performance will also showcase the African- American contributions to the culture and history of Northwest Florida. In addition, a series of monthly Viva 500 Literary Reflections and open mics will explore the literary heritage of Northwest Florida through different genre. The first mini-performance is noon on May 25 at the Gumbo Gallery, 314 N. DeVilliers, Pensacola. Artel Gallery will host the second performance during October’s Gallery Night.
West Florida Literary Federation is partnering with the African-American Heritage Society to produce the events. The grant was one of nine $15,000 grants awarded by Florida Humanities Council with the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Tate’s Ward Signs Basketball Scholarship With Palm Beach State
May 9, 2013
Tate High School senior point guard Jardae Ward has signed a scholarship with Palm Beach State College. She signed her scholarship in the school’s Fryman Gym in front her teammates, ROTC members and classmates. Pictured: Jardae Ward (left) signs her Palm Beach State College scholarship as her mother, Gwendolyn Ward, looks on. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Suns Even Series With 3-1 Win Over Wahoos
May 9, 2013
For the second straight day, it was Christian Yelich who provided the bulk of the Suns offense, as Jacksonville defeated the Blue Wahoos 3-1 at Bragan Field on Wednesday afternoon. Despite a strong start by Wahoos lefty Ryan Dennick, the Suns prevailed to even the series at one game apiece.
Yelich broke a 1-1 tie in the bottom of the eighth inning with a two-run home run to right-center field off Blue Wahoos reliever Shaun Ellis. Pensacola had tied the game in the top of the inning when Ryan LaMarre scored from first on a bloop double down the left field line by Joe Mather. It was his second hit of the game.
Jacksonville plated their first run in the sixth inning when Yelich scored from second on a double by Kyle Jensen. It was the only run that Dennick allowed in the game.
Ellis (L, 0-1) was tagged with the loss after allowing the home run in the eighth inning. Despite giving up the lone Wahoos run, Scott McGough (W, 3-0) earned the win for Jacksonville. Both starters pitched well, though neither got a decision. Dennick gave up just the one run over six innings with four strikeouts for Pensacola. For the Suns, Sam Dyson pitched five shutout innings and allowed four hits.
Offensively, Travis Mattair picked up another two-hit game with a 2-for-4 afternoon. He has now hit safely in five straight.
Pensacola and Jacksonville will continue their series Thursday night from the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. First pitch is slated for 6:05 p.m. CT. Pensacola will start RHP Daniel Renken (1-2, 3.07) against Suns RHP Matt Neil (0-2, 4.79).
No Serious Injuries In Wreck Near Jim Allen Elementary
May 8, 2013
There were no serious injuries in a traffic accident on Highway 95A near Jim Allen Elementary School Wednesday morning.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 16-year old Taylor Whaley of Cantonment was stopped on Eden Lane at Highway 95A. Whaley pulled into that path of a northbound Mack dump truck driven by 43-year old Susan Long of Pensacola.
Whaley and the passengers in the vehicle received minor injuries. Long was not injured.
Whaley was cited for violation of right of way, according to FHP.