Deputy Receives Minor Injuries In Crash
December 9, 2012
An Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy received minor injuries in a single vehicle crash early Saturday morning.
The Florida Highway Patrol said Deputy Kevin M Stinebaugh was traveling east on Massachusetts Avenue approaching a Starla Circle driveway just before 2 a.m. Stinebaugh, 27, was responding to an officer assist call in his 2005 Ford Crown Vic patrol car.
Stinebaugh lost control of the cruiser due to slippery conditions from a recent light rain, the FHP said. The cruiser left the roadway, collided with a wooden fence and came to rest adjacent to an apartment. No contact was made with the building.
Stinebaugh was transported to Baptist Hospital with minor injuries.
There were no charges filed in the crash.
Toyz For Kidz Bike Ride Provides For Needy Kids
December 9, 2012
Santa had some very special helpers Saturday as the LA Bikers rolled through Bratt, Flomaton and Atmore making sure that needy kids had presents for Christmas this year.
It was the 12th annual toy ride organized by the LA Bikers.
Dozens of children received new bicycles and helmets, clothes, shoes and lots of toys. Over 100 bikers took part in the event with stops at Bratt Elementary, in Flomaton and Atmore City Hall.
Pictured: The LA Bikers Toyz for Kidz ride departs Bratt Saturday morning after Santa and helpers delivered toys to children waiting at Bratt Elementary School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Former Gov. Charlie Crist Turns Democrat
December 9, 2012
After months of speculation — and a high-profile stint campaigning for President Obama — former Republican Gov. Charlie Crist signed up Friday night to become a Democrat.
Crist, who left the GOP to run as an independent for the U.S. Senate in 2010, signed a registration form during a reception at the White House. He sent out a Twitter message that said, “Proud and honored to join the Democratic Party in the home of President @barackobama!”
Also, Crist posted a photo that showed him holding up the signed registration form, while his wife, Carole, smiled. The Tampa Bay Times reported that Obama celebrated the change with a fist bump.
But the Republican Party of Florida, which has long criticized Crist as a turncoat and an opportunist, quickly bashed the former governor Saturday morning.
“The truth is that this self-professed, Ronald-Reagan Republican only abandoned his pro-life, pro-gun, conservative principles in 2010 after he realized that Republicans didn’t want to send him to Washington D.C. as a senator, especially after he proved he couldn’t do the job as governor,” the party said in a prepared statement.
Crist’s move to the Democratic Party will add to widespread talk that he might try to return to the governor’s mansion by challenging Republican Gov. Rick Scott in 2014.
So far, no clear Democratic front-runner has emerged for the race, though the party’s 2010 nominee, former state Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, could run again. Also, former Senate Minority Leader Nan Rich, D-Weston, has opened a campaign account.
If Crist runs and captures the Democratic nomination, it likely would be one of the highest-profile — and fiercest — races in the country in 2014. Crist campaigned heavily for Obama this year, including giving a speech at the Democratic National Convention.
For years, Crist was a star in Republican politics. He first gained notoriety as a state senator from St. Petersburg and later was elected education commissioner, attorney general and governor. He parlayed an upbeat demeanor with popular positions on issues such as holding down taxes and insurance rates and fighting crime.
But Crist tangled with some major business interests, such as utilities and insurance companies, while governor. He then completely broke with the party by running unsuccessfully as an independent for the Senate seat after facing a primary fight from the eventual winner, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio.
During his speech at the Democratic National Convention in September, Crist said the GOP had left its roots and become too extreme. He said GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney and vice-presidential candidate Paul Ryan couldn’t lead the country in a bipartisan fashion.
“When I look at the Republican ticket today, I see two candidates who would break the fundamental promise of Medicare and Social Security, and cut investments on our middle class that are so important to our economic recovery,” Crist said during the speech. “And when I look at President Obama, I see a leader with a cool head, a caring heart and an open mind, a president who has demonstrated through his demeanor, his grace and his deeds that he is uniquely qualified to heal our divisions, rebuild our nation and lead us to a brighter future.”
But Republicans on Saturday said it was Crist who had changed. The state GOP pointed to examples such as Crist’s support in 2008 for Republican president candidate John McCain over Obama.
“The Great Imposter … at it again,” national Republican consultant Mike Murphy wrote in a Twitter post that linked to a Tampa Bay Times story about Crist’s Democratic registration.
By The News Service of Florida
Northview Chiefs Win Florida 1A State Championship
December 8, 2012
The Northview High School Chiefs won the Florida Class 1A football championship Friday night in Orlando, beating the Trenton Tigers 42-21.
The road to Orlando had been oh so long for the Chiefs — losing out the past couple of years a the state semi-final level — making the victory oh so much sweeter Friday night.
The state title is the first ever for Northview, the only Escambia or Santa Rosa County team to make the Citrus Bowl in Orlando this year.
There were 3,609 fans on hand for Friday night’s game — over 1,500 of them making the road tip from North Escambia.
For a highlight photo gallery, click here. NorthEscambia.com will publish hundreds of additional photos over the next several days.
After a scoreless first quarter, La’Mikal Kyles scored for the Chiefs on a 58 yard run with 11:07 on the click. And the Chiefs were just getting warmed up. Chad Smith was in with 8:25 in the half on a 20 yard blocked punt return.And LaDarius Thomas scored on a two-yard run with just 34 seconds in the half. With good kicks from Kevin Vaughan on all three touchdowns, the Chiefs held a 21-0 dominating lead at the half.
Trenton scored on a three yard run in the third, while Northview scored twice in the quarter. Neino Robinson had a 79 yard kickoff return, and Brannon Freeman add a touchdown with a 28 yard run.
Northview had one touchdown, a six-yard run from Kevin Vaughan, in the fourth, while Trenton scored twice. As the clock wound down, the Chiefs won the 1A championship 42-21.
Kyles finished the night with 113 yards and one touchdown on 12 attempts. Freeman had a touchdown and 61 yards on 11 attempts, and Thomas also added a TD and 39 yards on 10 attempts.
Trenton covered more artificial turf that Northview in the Citrus Bowl — 270 yards to Northview’s 226.
For a highlight photo gallery, click here. NorthEscambia.com will publish hundreds of additional photos over the next several days.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
County Renews Contract With Atmore Ambulance For 327 Exchange
December 8, 2012
The Escambia County Commission has renewed a contract with Atmore Ambulance to provide emergency medical services for the portion of North Escambia in the 327 phone exchange.
Atmore Ambulance has been providing ambulance service for the Walnut Hill, Bratt, Davisville and surrounding communities in the 327 telephone exchange since 1978. The county’s current contract with Atmore Ambulance was due to expire on January 21, 2013.
In January 2010, the Escambia County Commission awarded a contract to Atmore Ambulance for $85,000 per year for an initial period of 36 months, that was renewable for two additional 12 month periods for a total of 60 months.
Under the terms of the contract, Atmore Ambulance directly bills patients for services rendered at an amount not greater than that billed by Escambia County EMS, which provides ambulance service for the rest of the county.
Renewal of the agreement was recommended by Mike Weaver, Escambia County’s public safety director.
ECUA Program Helps Needy With Water, Sewer, Sanitation Bills
December 8, 2012
Project EUAP (Escambia Utility Assistance Program), created in 1988, provides emergency assistance to families who are experiencing financial difficulty, and are unable to pay the cost of water, wastewater or sanitation service.
The program is made possible through voluntary contributions from ECUA customers who understand that challenging times can hit any of us. At last count, 1,497 ECUA customers are helping their neighbors by contributing to the program.
Project EUAP offers assistance to the elderly, the disabled, and to crisis victims, individuals who have a financial circumstance due to a medical emergency, death in the family, or any other serious situation. All contributions in Project EUAP are used for emergency relief and never to pay administrative expenses. The program is administered by the Community Action Program, Escambia County Council on Aging, and the Salvation Army.
With so many residents applying for assistance, funds for Project EUAP are quickly depleting. ECUA customers can participate in the program by having one dollar (or a larger amount) included on their monthly utility bill, or making a one-time contribution.
For more information, to contribute, or to sign up as a regular participant in Project EUAP, visit the Project EUAP page under the “Doing Business with ECUA” dropdown menu on the web site www.ecua.fl.gov, or call ECUA customer service at (850) 476-0480.
Workshop To Highlight Water Use Permitting Changes
December 8, 2012
Farmers and ranchers in Northwest Florida are invited to attend a workshop to discuss proposed changes to permitting rules on irrigation wells.
Staff from the Northwest Florida Water Management District and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will provide information on statewide consumptive use permitting consistency (CUPcon) efforts and what the proposed changes will mean for the agricultural community.
The workshop will be held Tuesday, December 11 at 2 p.m. at the Walnut Hill Community Center. This workshop is an opportunity for Northwest Florida’s agricultural community to provide input as rule changes are being considered.
For more information, click here.
Pictured: A modern irrigation system in operation in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Creative Gardening Gift Ideas
December 8, 2012
Still don’t have a Christmas present for your favorite gardener? Take heart, there is still plenty of time to find, or make, that perfect “green” gift.
Many gardeners don’t think of their landscapes as just plants in the ground. To the knowledgeable landscape designer, the landscape is a series of rooms; rooms that may require decoration.
Garden art can be anything from the whimsical garden gnomes, functional obelisks or metal sculptures.
Garden obelisks can serve many functions. In addition to providing interest during all four seasons, they can act as beautiful focal points in the garden. They can make your garden look as if it was designed by a professional.
In a flower garden, they provide support for plants such as climbing roses, flowering vines and many other climbers and twiners. In the edible garden, many types of fruits and vegetables, such as various types of beans, can be grown on obelisks.
Obelisks come in many different sizes and shapes. Common shapes include tall, rounded or oblong forms, rectangular forms, and pyramids. Most vining plants will take to any shape. Choose the shape that is pleasing to you and blends in with your garden design. Obelisks can be made from a variety of materials including cedar, copper and wrought iron.
Furthermore, if you are an avid recycler, there are plenty of materials just laying around that can be made into a functional obelisk with a minimum amount of skill and time. Take a look on the internet and you will find plenty of help in fashioning a home-made creation.
A “growing” trend is metal garden art. Metal garden art can be fun, playful or even classical. It can be used to create a focal point in the garden or to brighten up a dull spot. From small garden stakes, to colorful wall art, to sculptures small and large, the possibilities are endless. With so many materials to choose from and so many artists working in the field you will be sure to find at least one piece to add color and character to your yard.
Again, if you are an avid recycler, you will be able to find many pieces made from recycled metal. Recycled steel drums or tanks, discarded bicycle or tricycles, old car parts, these all provide the raw materials for the creative eco-artist.
Copper is widely used in metal garden art because it is beautiful, durable and adds elegance to any garden. If allowed to oxidize it will age gracefully to a natural weather worn green patina. It can also be preserved with a clear coating to maintain its bright, shiny look. Copper sculptures, wall art and garden stakes add a touch of class to any decor.
For a classic look add a bronze garden sculpture. Bronze sculptures have been around for thousands of years. They remain popular today because they are classic, timeless and will last for generations.
Whatever your taste, classic, contemporary or just playful, garden art will warm your heart even on the coldest winter day.
Theresa Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
State Attorney Eddins: Prosecutors Leaving Due To Low Pay
December 7, 2012
Representatives of state attorneys and public defenders began making a renewed case Thursday for increasing salaries, saying low pay causes many attorneys to leave for private law firms after only a few years.
Bill Eddins, state attorney for the 1st Judicial Circuit of Florida (which includes Escambia and Santa Rosa counties) and president of the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association, told a Senate panel that high turnover is reducing the number of experienced prosecutors.
“There are cases in Florida we are losing because of inexperience,” Eddins told the Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Subcommittee.
Eddins and Hillsborough County Public Defender Julianne Holt said new attorneys make about $40,000, while also often having hefty law-school debts. Holt said attorneys typically are making about $50,000 when they start handling felony cases, compared to the $75,000 to $90,000 they can receive in the private sector if they have three years of experience and trials on their resumes.
The comments came as the subcommittee heard initial budget requests from agencies involved in the criminal-justice system.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Championship History Tonight; Chiefs Practice In UF’s Swamp
December 7, 2012
Tonight is the biggest night in high school football history at Northview, as the Chiefs take on top ranked Trenton in the Class 1A state football championship game.
It’s no big surprise that the Chiefs reached the title game in Orlando’s Citrus Bowl. The Chiefs were favorites from the beginning of the season, going on to destroy 1A opponents at home and on the road.
Trenton is undefeated, while the Chiefs did suffer three losses during the regular season as they played above their size class against 4A Marianna, 5A Gulf Breeze and 5A West Florida, all of which made the state playoff series.
“We’ve made it to the game we wanted to get to, and now we might as well go win the thing,” Northview head coach Sid Wheatley said of the championship game in Orlando.
Win or lose — the 2012 Chiefs will be the team that everyone talks about in the future, the team by which future players are measured. It’s the first ever trip to the state finals for any Northview team. Digging deeper back into history, the two schools that were combined to create Northview both had one shot at the state title. The Century Blackcats fell short of a title by just one point back in 1986, and the Ernest Ward High School Eagles won the state championship back in 1979.
The Chiefs hit the road for Orlando Wednesday, spending the night in Gainesville. They thought they were going to spend their afternoon practicing at Gainesville High School, but Wheatley had arranged a really big surprise.
The Chiefs spent their afternoon practice in The Swamp — Ben Hill Griffin Stadium — at the University of Florida. It was part motivation and part shock and awe — getting accustomed to playing in a massive stadium to reduce the potential intimidation factor of the 70,229 seat Citrus Bowl.
Hundreds of Northview fans will be in the huge Citrus Bowl by kickoff time. Hundreds and hundreds more will be back home in little places like Molino, Walnut Hill and Century watching a video stream and following live updates from NorthEscambia.com as the Boys from Bratt show Orlando what it means to be a Chief.
It all comes down to tonight at 7:00 Eastern/6:00 Central with the opening kickoff of the FHSAA Class 1A state championship game. Somebody goes home as the second best in state, and somebody is crowned champion. It’s a moment the Chiefs are prepared to face.
“It’s an exciting time; I think our kids are excited and ready for this,” Wheatley said. “They are prepared for this; they know that this is their moment.”
Before kickoff tonight, NorthEscambia.com will provide access to a live video stream of the game in story posted on our front page and our Facebook page. NorthEscambia.com will also be providing live updates from the sidelines of the Citrus Bowl with photos and scores on our Facebook page. Click here to “Like” our Facebook page and follow the updates.
Pictured: The Northview High School Chiefs practice in “The Swamp” on Florida Field in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at the University of Florida Thursday afternoon. Exclusive photos by Wesley Rodriguez/UF Photography for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge
