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.
Cantonment Man Shot By Mother Of His Child
June 3, 2013
An Escambia County man was jailed after being shot in Cantonment last week by the mother of his child.
A female told deputies the father of her child, 25-year old Casey Lee Leopard of Cantonment, came to her residence on Benjulyn Road holding their 2-year old child. She said he forced his way inside when she opened the door. He searched for and found the woman’s phone in an attempt to determine where she had been the previous night, according to an arrest report.
The woman retrieved a firearm, located ammunition for it and attempted to leave the residence. Leopard then allegedly thew her to the floor and choked her. She escaped his hold and loaded the gun. As Leopard approached her again in her hallway, she shot him in the knee, the report states, because he was coming toward her and she feared being attacked again.
Leopard fled the residence and was later located at Victory Assembly of God Church on Highway 29, the report states. He was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital for his injuries. After his release, Leopard was arrested and charged with domestic battery by strangulation and depriving the use of 911. He was later released from the Escambia County Jail on a $5,000 bond.
Summer Reading Fun Begins
June 3, 2013
Kids of all ages can keep their reading skills sharp this summer as they “Dig Into Reading” with summer reading programs underway at area libraries.
WEST FLORIDA LIBRARY
The West Florida Public Library will hold a “Dig Into Reading” summer reading club for all children ages preschool and up. The event will include stories, weird noises, shadow puppets, magic, reptiles and more.
The 2013 Summer Reading Club will be held June 3-August 10. Children can register at any West Florida Public Library.
Century Branch Library
Summer Reading Program – Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m.
Molino Branch Library
Preschool story time — Mondays, 2:45 p.m.
Summer Reading Program - Mondays, 4:00 p.m.
Tryon Branch
Preschool story time — Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
Summer Reading Program - Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m.
Main Library
Preschool story time — Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.
Summer Reading Program - Mondays, noon.
Southwest Branch
Summer Reading Program – Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
Westside Branch
Preschool story time — Saturdays, 2:30 p.m.
Summer Reading Program – Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m.
Highway 164 Now Open
June 3, 2013
After a three month closure, Highway 164 from Velor Road to Pine Barren Road has re-opened. The route was closed to traffic on March 1 after an inspection revealed structural deficiencies with a 55-year old bridge between Walnut Hill and McDavid. Repairs to the bridge took about a month longer than originally anticipated. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Remaining Graduation Dates
June 3, 2013
Here are the remaining graduation dates and times for schools in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties:
Tuesday – Escambia
at Pensacola Bay Center
- Pine Forest High, 11 a.m.
- West Florida High, 2:30 p.m.
- Tate High, 6 p.m.
Tuesday – Santa Rosa
- Central School, 6 p.m., CHS gym
Johnson Avenue To Close Tuesday
June 3, 2013
Johnson Avenue between Chisholm Road and Stockdale Avenue will close Tuesday, June 4, for approximately two weeks to through traffic.
The closing is in conjunction with an existing Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) project and drivers are urged to follow detour routes. For more information, contact Ron King at (850) 932-5342.
Ernest Ward Names May Students Of The Month
June 3, 2013
Ernest Ward Middle School has named Students of the Month for May. They are (L-R) Lari McCann, seventh grade; Austin Smith, sixth grade; and Kayleigh Linam, eighth grade. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Seed To Plate: Learn More About Your Home Garden
June 3, 2013
The Escambia County Extension Service will host “Seed to Plate – Healthy and Productive Home Gardents” on Thursday, June 6.
The program is for those that have a home garden but want to learn how to get more out of it. Participants will learn the basics of safe garden production and tips for home food preservation. Appropriate shoes for a garden tour should be worn.
The program will take place at the Escambia County Extension office on Stephani Road at 6 p.m. Cost is $5. Register by calling Fran Lainhart at (850) 475-5230 or emailing lainhaf@ufl.edu.
Gaetz: Nobody Knows Who Tally Politicians Are
June 3, 2013
Planning to continue touring Florida with the House speaker, Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, said that most Florida residents have a disconnect with state government.
“The first thing that Tallahassee politicians probably need to reflect upon is that nobody knows who they are, nobody knows why they think they are so important,” Gaetz (pictured) said during an interview on The Florida Channel’s “Florida Face to Face” show.
“Only in Tallahassee, inside the echo chamber here where people talk to each other and think they’re hearing the voice of God, are politicians that important. When you’re in a classroom, when you’re in a children’s advocacy center, when you’re in a National Guard armory, then you find out who’s really important.”
Gaetz and Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, spent two days last week making appearances in Brooksville, Tampa, Orlando, Lakeland and Lake Wales to discuss the recent legislative session. Gaetz said he and Weatherford plan to go to every region of the state during the summer.
“It’s just two guys who get along with each other pretty well, spending time trying to find out how people are reacting to what the Legislature has done and where we need to do better,” Gaetz said.
by The News Service of Florida