Ernest Ward Names Students Of The Month
February 18, 2013
Ernest Ward Middle School has named their Students of the Month from January. They are (left to right) Lexxi Baggett, 6th grade; Jessica Stacey, 8th grade; and Cody Kite, 7th grade. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Food For America: Northview FFA Officers Share With Elementary Students
February 18, 2013
Members of the Northview High School FFA officer team recently visited several area elementary schools to read ag-related books to students.
The FFA officers visited Bratt, Jim Allen and Molino Park elementary schools. Reading to the students and sharing information about food-related agriculture is part of the events leading up to Northview’s award-winning Food for America program in March.
Northview’s Food for America program has been name the best in the state . Each year, the program gives hundreds of elementary school students a chance to learn about agriculture firsthand up close and personal with farm animals, farm equipment and more as they visit displays on the Northview campus.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man’s Medical Problem Causes I-10 Crash
February 18, 2013
Three people were injured, two of them seriously, in a morning accident that backed up traffic on I-10.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 34-year old Gerald Dominque James of Cantonment was eastbound on I-10 near the Davis Highway exit about 5:50 a.m. when he drove across the center median into oncoming westbound traffic due to an unknown medical condition. His 2004 Nissan Altima collided with a 2007 Honda Accord driven by 55-year old Billy Johnston of Gordon, Ala.
James’ Altima was then struck by a 1996 Ford F150 driven by 74-year old Henry Matowitz of Milton who then continued off the roadway and struck a tree.
James and Johnston were transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in serious condition. Matowitz suffered minor injuries and was transported to West Florida Hospital.
All westbound lanes of I-10 at the 13 mile maker were blocked by the wreck, according to the FHP. The roadway has since reopened.
No charges were filed in connection with the accident.
Pictured: Three people were injured in this accident early Monday morning on I-10 near the Davis Highway exit. Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Leads Nation In Foreclosures For 5th Month
February 18, 2013
Move over California. Florida led the nation in January in the percentage and total number of properties in foreclosure, according to monthly figures released by RealtyTrac,
For the fifth month in a row, Florida had the highest rate of foreclosures in the nation, with one in every 300 Florida housing units under some type of foreclosure filing. That’s more than twice the national average and 20 percent higher than a year earlier.
Florida also had the dubious honor of bypassing California for the total number of foreclosure filings for the month, marking the first time that California has been out of the top spot since 2007.
Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties accounted for the bulk of homes under foreclosure. But Ocala held the top spot among metropolitan areas, with one in 223 homes involved in foreclosures during the month.
Nationally, the number of foreclosures dropped 28 percent in January from the year before.
By The News Service of Florida
School Board Set To Hire Contractor For New Ernest Ward Middle School
February 17, 2013
The Escambia County School Board is set to approve a contractor at their Tuesday meeting to manage the rebuilding of Ernest Ward Middle School.
A school district committee ranked five qualified firms for the job, with Greenhut Construction Company of Pensacola receiving the nod. If approved by the school board, Greenhut will provide “Construction Management at Risk Services” for the project — the overall planning, coordination and control of the project from beginning to completion.
The $16.5 million, 115,202 square foot building is currently being designed by Sam Marshall Architects of Pensacola.
The new facility will replace the entire Ernest Ward campus, with the exception of the current gymnasium and football stadium. The oldest buildings at Ernest Ward, including the main classroom wing, were constructed in 1945.
A few portable buildings and the Ag Building will be demolished as early as this summer to be replaced by temporary portable buildings during the construction process. The new school is expected to open in the fall of 2016. The current administration building is slated to become a maintenance facility.
In addition to Ernest Ward, the district will rebuild A.K. Suter Elementary in Pensacola for $21.5 million. Tuesday, the school board is expected to approved the Morette Company of Pensacola as the construction management firm for the Suter project.
Pictured top: The gymnasium at Ernest Ward Middle School will receive some updates, but will not be demolished, as a new school is built on the Walnut Hill campus. The Ag Building (interior pictured inset, exterior below) could be demolished as early as this summer. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Walnut Hill Fire Grows To 53 Acres
February 17, 2013
Early Sunday afternoon, the Florida Forest Service estimated that a wildfire about about eight miles southwest of Walnut Hill had grown to 53 acres.
The fire was initially reported about 3:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon to be a wind-fueled 20 acre grass fire off Ryals Lane west of Pineville Road.
FFS firefighters said the blaze started from a bush hogging operation and burned through a pasture and into the woods. The fire is mostly contained and crews will continue to monitor, and the Forest Service said the fire still has some internal smoke.
No structures were threatened by the fire, and there were no injuries reported.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service responded to the blaze and remained until about 6 p.m. By 7 p.m., the Forest Service reported the fire wost mostly contained and had burned toward a swamp. Dozer lines were created around the fire, with Forest Service firefighters returning on Sunday morning.
“Despite recent rains, today’s high winds dried brush, grass and other flammable vegetation and helped fan the flames. Florida experiences a year round wildfire season and these blazes serve as reminders that homeowners and landowners always should use caution when burning yard debris,” Zwierzchowski said.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Pine Forest Cooled Off By Jay
February 17, 2013
The Pine Forest softball team couldn’t get anything going Saturday, as the pitching of Jay junior Sydney Lowery and the cold, windy weather cooled off the Lady Eagles’ bats in an 11-1 victory.
Lowery, who pitched Jay to the state championship game last season, struck out 11 and allowed just four hits and two walks.
Pine Forest (2-2) actually jumped out quickly, as Rebecca Rudd and Aleecia Ybarra singled to open the game. After back-to-back strikeouts, Kellie Payne singled to right field to drive in Rudd and give the Lady Eagles the early lead. But Pine Forest got only one more hit off Lowery — a fifth-inning single by Rudd.
Jay (1-1) tied the game in the bottom of the first thanks to a couple of errors, then added three in the third and fourth innings before finishing the game with four in the fifth.
Sophomore Brooke Lauter took the loss in her first varsity start. The lefty allowed 10 hits and four walks but only six earned runs as her defense committed four errors.
The Pine Forest junior varsity (3-1) suffered its first loss, 5-4, earlier in the day.
Hidden Surprise In The Garden: Terrestrial Orchids
February 17, 2013
by The Escambia County Extension Service
A hidden surprise in many gardens this time of year are the delicate blooms of terrestrial orchids. One species that is a consistent bloomer along the Gulf Coast is the Chinese ground orchid, Bletilla striata.
Although foliage and flowers may be sensitive to cold weather, the preferred growing conditions under tree canopies often offer this plant protection during many winters. Flower spikes emerge from the underground structure and hold numerous bright pink flowers about 12-15 inches high.
Strap-like foliage is bright green and makes an effective groundcover for the remainder of the season. It is important that the ground orchids have rich soil with some moisture. Local sandy soils may need amendments with composted materials.
Each season, the clump of ground orchids will continue to expand so they can be divided in late summer for a new planting or to share with friends.
Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
BBB Warns Of Fake, Free Plane Tickets
February 17, 2013
Consumers nationwide, including the Escambia County area, are receiving letters stating that they have won two round-trip tickets courtesy of American Airlines or US Airlines with a retail value of up to $1,298. US Airlines is not a real company, and this letter is not from the real American Airlines, according to the BBB of Northwest Florida.
Recipients of the letter are encouraged to call a provided number and then invited to attend a presentation. Upon arrival at the presentation, attendees discover the meeting is not hosted by American Airlines or US Airlines, but a travel package agency.
Documents acquired by BBB indicate the Daytona, Florida firm behind this promotion has numerous complaints filed against them with the Better Business Bureau.
The BBB offers the following tips for purchasing a travel package:
- Find out exactly what the package contains in terms of transportation and accommodations and for how many people
- How much money must be given as a deposit, if the deposit is refundable, and how much is later required.
- Get the name of the hotel, personally confirm all reservations, and get written verification.
- Before you decide to accept this type of offer do comparative shopping with a local travel agency before making your final decision. Companies that offer this type of service in Florida are required to be registered with the Sellers of Travel Act at 800-435-7352.
- Do not be pressured by any company to give an immediate decision or to give your cash, check, or credit card number until you are satisfied
Suspect Shot By Alabama Deputy
February 17, 2013
A suspect is recovering today after being shot by a Sheriff’s deputy early Saturday morning in Escambia County, Alabama.
The incident began when an Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s patrol deputy attempted a traffic stop near Brewton. Authorities have not said what prompted the traffic stop.
The suspect fled, with the Brewton Police Department joining the chase. On Highway 41 north of Brewton, the suspect lost control near Tippens Eddy Road. The suspect fled on foot, with the deputy giving chase.
“A struggle ensued resulting in the suspect being shot,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a prepared statement Saturday afternoon.
The shooting investigation has been turned over to the Alabama Bureau of Investigation. As is standard procedure in officer involved shootings, the deputy has been placed on paid administrative leave.
The suspect, whose name has not been released, remains in the hospital in guarded condition. The name of the of the deputy involved in the shooting also has not been released.
Pictured: These screenshots from a low-quality cellphone video show the scene early Saturday morning after a deputy-involved shooting on Highway 41 north of Brewton. Exclusive reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.