It’s Going To Look A Lot Like Christmas In Century
July 17, 2012
It may still be July, but the Town of Century is making plans for Christmas.
The town council plans to budget funds to replace aging Christmas decorations across Century — including decorations along North Century Boulevard and a manger scene at the town hall.
“I believe we all want a manger scene,” Council President Ann Brooks said Monday night as she shared municipal Christmas decoration catalogs with the council.
Mayor Freddie McCall suggested that inmate labor from Century Correctional Institution could perhaps be used to construct the manger and save the town money. He also said the town must budget for wiring utility poles for lighted decorations.
Council members will look at the decoration catalogs — deciding whether pole decorations should be trees, wreaths, stars, etc. — and report back at a future meeting.
Pictured top: Century Town Council President Ann Brooks (left) shows a municipal Christmas decoration catalog to council members Sandra McMurray Jackson (center) and Jacke Johnston Monday night. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Citizens Insurance Board Talks Higher Rates For 2013
July 17, 2012
Gearing up for next week’s meeting to approve rates, the Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Board of Governors met Monday to discuss rates for the state-backed insurer.
As the company – the state’s largest property insurer – tries to reduce its number of customers and shore up its premium base, the board also took public testimony during its workshop in Miami. And it got an earful from policyholders and local lawmakers that underscored the difficulty it faces in raising rates on some of the riskiest property in the state.
Lawmakers have capped premium increases on existing Citizens policyholders at 10 percent, avoiding rates that actuaries say could otherwise be more than 30 percent higher if market pricing were in place.
Figures prepared for Monday’s workshop show that rates would need to be increased by at least 27 percent on average statewide next year to more accurately respond to non-sinkhole risks.
State law however, restricts rate hikes to no more than 10 percent on any individual policies.
Some Citizens policyholders may even see no increase next year, though most will see some sort of increase.
Citizens remains less expensive than private insurance alternatives in certain areas – which keeps the private market from being competitive. The company wasn’t originally designed to be a cheaper alternative to private coverage, it was supposed to be an emergency alternative for people who couldn’t get private coverage. But with the cap on rates, it’s become the cheapest option in some places.
“This means that Citizens is a rate competitor with private insurers in many territories where Citizens should be working to reduce exposure and be noncompetitive,” Citizens staff wrote in an executive summary of the proposed rates.
Sinkhole coverage is another area of concern. Lawmakers have removed the 10 percent cap on sinkhole premium increases, and it is virtually assured that Citizens board will increase the rates on sinkhole coverage to the degree necessary to make them actuarially sound.
To do that, the rates would have to more than triple for homeowners in Citizens most populated insurance pool. The board is instead expected to approve a phase-in of higher sinkhole rates.
Citizens officials have tried to make the case that the 10-percent cap should not apply to new business, arguing new commercial and residential policies should be priced at rates higher than what rates would be if the cap were taken into consideration.
The political pushback was evident Monday as board members met with citizens and local lawmakers during a public workshop in Miami. State Reps. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, and Frank Artiles, both Miami Republicans, said many South Florida residents have little choice but to get coverage through the state-backed insurer.
Lopez-Cantera urged the board to remember that many residents are on fixed incomes and said insurance “is not a luxury, it is a requirement” for people who have mortgages.
“The decisions you make affect people that you may not think about,” said Lopez-Cantera.
While the board heard from the public, its actuarial committee approved changes made by lawmakers earlier this year to reduce costs.
Among a list of changes, the panel approved caps on water damage payments, a higher deductible for hurricane claims and even higher optional deductibles for policyholders who choose to reduce their premiums by taking on more of the financial risk.
The full board meets July 27 to vote on rates, which must then be approved by the Office of Insurance Regulation.
By The News Service of Florida
Man Charged With Possessing Pot, Gun And Counterfeit Cash
July 17, 2012
An Escambia County man is behind bars facing multiple charges for possessing marijuana, a gun and counterfeit cash.
Charles Randall Butler, 24, fled from deputies after a traffic stop on Lucerne Avenue and was apprehended after a foot chase with deputies.
Deputies reported that he had 43 grams of marijuana, $1,175 in currency, a 380 semi-automatic handgun and $260 in counterfeit $20 bills in his possession or in his vehicle.
He was charged with driving with habitual suspended license, possession of a firearm during a felony, possession of a weapon by convicted felon, criminal mischief, possession of counterfeited money, resisting an officer without violence, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, and possession of marijuana over 20 grams.
Butler was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond due to an outstanding warrant from another case.
No Serious Injuries In Tate, Kingsfield Road Crash
July 17, 2012
There were no serious injuries reported in two vehicle wreck Monday afternoon in Cantonment.
The accident was reported just before 5 p.m. at the intersection of Tate and Kingsfield roads. The wreck is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the crash.
Pictured: There were no serious injuries in this wreck Monday afternoon at Tate and Kingsfield Road. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Updated: Local Woman Seen On ABC’s Good Morning America
July 17, 2012
Several area women made a brief appearance on Good Morning America Monday morning on the ABC television network.
Diane Johnson, three-year old teacher at the Friendship Learning Lodge on Wolf Log Road, was one of the women. She was seen in the New York City crowd, happily waving at the camera. The sign she’s holding had a peace symbol, a heart and “& Roll Tide” (that’s Peace, Love and Roll Tide).
Johnson is in New York with several friends that also received a little airtime — Shirley Manning of Brewton, Barbara Swinney of Gulf Shores, Diane White of Brewton and Sharon Chavers of Brewton.
Pictured top: Shirley Manning, Barbara Swinney, Diane White, Robin Roberts of GMA, Diane Johnson, and Sharon Chavers. Pictured inset: Diane Johnson (right, waving) of Flomaton was seen on ABC’s Good Morning America Monday morning.Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Perdido Gators Win Beachside Blast Tournament
July 17, 2012
The Perdido Gators wonUSFA Beachside Blasttournament this past weekend in Pace.
The 14U girls fast pitch softball team went undefeated this past weekend, allowing a total of only six runs throughout the tournament. Area girls from Northview, Tate, West Florida, Escambia, Pace, and Gulf Breeze high schools make up the Perdido Gators softball team.
The Gators will be headed to Orlando in August to compete in the USSSA World Series.
Pictured: Members of the Perdido Gators (bottom row, L-R) Ashley Young, Kota Berry, Sara Spears, Kristin Gunter, Morgan Peppers, (top row) Lauren Brennan, Angel Lathan, Olivia Printiss, Sydney Ezelle, Ali Cutaio, Mallory Ryan. Coaches are Tracey Ezelle, Greg Spears, Eddie Ryan, and Jeff Cutaio. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Homeless Man Steals Car, Rams Police Cruiser, Tosses Sawed Off Shotgun
July 17, 2012
Multiple charges were filed on a homeless man Sunday after he fled from police in a stolen car, rammed an officer’s car with the vehicle and threw a sawed-off shotgun onto the ground while running from officers.
William E. Waters, 19, no permanent address, was charged with fleeing/eluding police, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, grand theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, resisting without violence, and not having a driver’s license.
The incident began around 12:15 a.m. Sunday near the intersection of “I” and Cervantes streets after Pensacola Police Officer Chris Grantham spotted the stolen vehicle.
Officers tried to stop the vehicle at Barcelona and Cervantes streets but Waters, who was driving the car, refused to stop.
The stolen Lincoln Towncar collided with the front of a cruiser at Spring and Cervantes streets, and continued eluding officers until it stopped in a grassy lot southwest of Jackson and “D” streets where the driver fled.
Officer Charles Decker and Officer David Hausner and his K-9 Kyros found Waters hiding in a yard in the 500 block of North “D” Street.
During a search of the area, officers found a loaded sawed-off shotgun wrapped in a white T-shirt that one of the officers had seen the suspect throw to the ground during a foot chase.
Waters was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $66,500.
Covenant Hospice Seeks Volunteers
July 17, 2012
Covenant Hospice is seeking individuals and groups to join its award-winning volunteer team.
A training workshop will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 21 at the Covenant Hospice branch office, located at 6479 Caroline St., Suite B in Milton. The workshop is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be provided.
Covenant Hospice Volunteer Training will present an overview of hospice care and volunteer choices. Individuals and groups are needed to provide support for Covenant programs including office work, community outreach, and fundraising. Patient and family support volunteers are needed to provide friendly visits, companionship, breaks for caregivers, light housekeeping, transportation, assistance with yard work or home repair, and more. Active duty military and veteran volunteers are needed to support Covenant’s We Honor Veteran’s Program. Working and retired professionals are also needed to share their expertise.
Covenant provides a flexible volunteer schedule with opportunities for one time, periodic or weekly volunteer assignments. Volunteers receive ongoing educational opportunities and are honored annually for their contributions. To register or to learn more, call Hope Ripley or Sharon Oakes at (850) 202-5802 or 202-5948.
Nearly 2,500 volunteers support 13 branch locations throughout Florida and Alabama. Covenant’s volunteer program received three Awards of Excellence from Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Annual surveys indicate 98 percent of Covenant’s volunteers are highly satisfied with their volunteer experiences. Covenant Hospice is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate services to patients and loved ones during times of life-limiting illnesses.
Suns Shut Down Wahoos 2-1
July 17, 2012
Jacksonville starting pitcher Graham Taylor held the Blue Wahoos to just three hits in six shutout innings of work, while catcher Kyle Skipworth launched his eighth homer of the year in the sixth, as the Suns defeated Pensacola 2-1 on Monday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
With the victory, Jacksonville improved to an 11-14 record in the second half and take a 2-1 lead in the series, while Pensacola fell to 15-10 since the league’s All-Star Break.
Taylor (6.0 IP, 3 H, 4 SO) held the Fish bats quiet throughout his six solid frames, yielding just three hits while fanning four to earn the win and bump his season tally to 5-8. Relievers Joshua Schmidt (1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 SO) and A.J. Ramos (1.0 IP, 1 SO) each fired a scoreless inning of relief in support of Taylor, with Schmidt notching his seventh hold and Ramos his 11th save. Pensacola starter J.C. Sulbaran (4.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 4 SO) suffered the loss to fall to 6-7 on the year.
Jacksonville struck first in the third for the early 1-0 lead. Taylor began the frame with a leadoff single to left before LF Jake Smolinski walked and SS Chris Gutierrez singled to load the bases for 3B Paul Gran. With a full count, Gran took the payoff pitch outside for ball four to bring home Taylor and push the Suns ahead. Jacksonville would then double their advantage in the sixth when Skipworth launched his eighth home run of the year over the right field fence.
Pensacola would then plate their lone score in the following frame thanks to a longball of their own. 1B Beau Mills mashed the 1-0 pitch to deep right field, putting the scoreboard in jeopardy for his seventh homer of the year. It was the second roundtripper in as many nights for Mills, and his fifth in the month of July.
Taylor (2-2, 1 R) and Gutierrez (2-4, 1 BB) each collected a pair of hits for the Suns in the win, while Mills (2-4, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI) was the lone Blue Wahoos batter to record a multi-hit effort. Taylor had come into the contest hitless in his first 18 at bats this year before reaching on singles in both appearances Monday night.
Jacksonville and Pensacola will meet Tuesday night for the final time this year, with first pitch set for 7:00 p.m. at the bayfront stadium. The Fish are slated to send RHP Wirfin Obispo to the mound for the series finale, while the Suns are expected to give the nod to RHP Matthew Neil.
By Andrew Green
Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Surveillance Photos Released From Hwy 29 Tom Thumb Robbery
July 16, 2012
Surveillance photos have been released from an early Sunday morning armed robbery at a Highway 29 convenience store.
The Tom Thumb store at Highway 29 and Roberts Road was robbed at gunpoint about 5:30 a.m. The suspect was described as a black male wearing a black and white checkered hoodie.
Deputies said the armed man demanded money, the clerk complied and the suspect fled the store.
There were no injuries reported.
The first Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived at the store within about two minutes. The deputies quickly established a perimeter around the store, and a K-9 was called to assist in the search for the suspect.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
