Tate Falls To Mosley In Quarterfinals
May 4, 2012
The Tate Aggies lost their Region 1-6A quarterfinal game Thursday night to the Mosley Dolphins.
Tate jumped out to an early lead with an RBI single to left field in the first, and another RBI single in the third. But Mosley tied it up 2-2 in the third before scoring a go-ahead run with a single up the middle. Mosley increased their lead to 5-2 in the fourth.
The Aggies cut the lead to 5-4 in the fifth, with the sixth and seventh inning scoreless.
With the loss, the Aggies season came to an end with a 22-6 overall record, 12-2 in the district.
Tate Hitters: David Moorhead 2-4, 2RBI, 1R; JT Granat 2-4, 1RBI; Mac Siebert 1RBI; Maverick Champman 2-3; Hunter Black 2-4; Austin Quina 0-3, 1R
Photos: The Dastardly Dr. Devereaux Dress Rehearsal
May 4, 2012
The Northview Spring Musical “The Dastardly Dr. Devereaux”, will be presented Friday at 6:30 p.m.
The play follows the dastardly Dr. Dogsbreath Devereaux and his equally evil nurse, Hilda Hatchet, as they plot to wrestle away the Hanover D. Cash Clinic from Hanover’s sweet and very wealthy widow, Lotta Cash.
Dr. Phil Good, the good hero, and the heroine, Wendy March, try foil the evil Dr. Devereaux and nurse Hatchet.
Throw in a little love, marriage, flirting, burlesque dancers, murder, zany patients and more….and the audience won’t know what’s happening next at the Hanover D. Cash Clinic.
Tickets will be on sale Friday at the NHS office. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door for reserved seating.
For over 100 photos from a Thursday afternoon dress rehearsal, click here.
Pictured inset: Scenes from a dress rehearsal Thursday afternoon of “The Dastardly Dr. Devereaux” at Northview High School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Gives Final Approval $3.6 Million 4-H’s Langley Bell Sale To Navy Federal
May 4, 2012
The Escambia County Commission officially approved the sale of the 240-acre Langley Bell 4-H Center to Navy Federal for $3.6 million in a short meeting Thursday afternoon.
The commission — acting as trustees for the 4-H County Council — voted 4-0 to sell the property on Beulah Road. Commissioner Wilson Robertson abstained from the vote because he is a member of the 4-H Foundation and also because he might have future business relationships related to the development of the land.
On April 23, young 4-H Council members, who represented 4-H Clubs across the county, voted 21-16 in favor of the sale and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that specifies what happens next to 4-H.
The MOU also called for the creation of aa 4-H Extension Task Force to consider what happens next for 4-H between two proposed options.
Navy Federal will pay $3.6 million for the property next to the credit union’s campus in Beulah. The Escambia Commission will also contribute $1.5 million in local option sales tax funds to construct a new 4-H building with the plans subject to the approval of the Extension Service.
Option one of the approved MOU will construct the new building on 23 acres at the Escambia County Extension Service on Stefani Road. The first option also provides for 20-30 acres next to the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center in cooperation with the Escambia County School Board for animal-related programs and other appropriate 4-H activities. This property will be in addition to the facility to be located at the Extension Service on Stefani Road.
The second option would allow for the purchase of other acreage and propert with up to $1.6 million of the Navy Federal sale proceeds for the use of the 4-H program. The “Friends of 4-H”, a group of of 4-H supporters, is calling for the purchase of former the former Bayer Crop Science Facility on Crabtree Church Road in Molino. The 250 acres stretches from Crabtree Church Road north to Highway 97 near Molino Park Elementary School.
Pictured top: The Langley Bell 4-H Center. Pictured top inset: 4-H County Council President Devon Bell signs off on the ballot results April 23 signifying the 4-H Council’s agreement to sell Langley Bell to Navy Federal. Pictured below: A portion of the neighboring Navy Federal complex in Beulah can be seen in the background of this photograph of the Langley Bell Building. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
National Day Of Prayer Marked In Century, Atmore (With Photo Gallery)
May 4, 2012
Prayers for local communities, leaders, residents and businesses filled the air in Century and Atmore on Thursday during the 61st Annual National Day of Prayer.
“We need You (God) in our town,” Century Mayor Freddie McCall said during Century’s observance Thursday morning. “I need you in our town.”
“I pray for the safe return of our troops,” said Scott Nelson, father of LCpl Travis Nelson who was killed in action, as he prayed for the military and local law enforcement, firefighters and EMT’s. “And for the families…only You can provide comfort in the their hearts.”
The Rev. Willie Carter, a retired educator, prayed for education. “Help us to realize in all our teachings and knowledge that without you it would be in vain,” he said.
“Help kids to see that having Jesus in your heart is the coolest thing they can do,” Century resident Carlos Kyles prayed.
Also participating in prayer during Century’s event was Robin Punyko from Gulf Power, praying for business; William Reynolds of NorthEscambia.com, praying for media; Rev. Jeff Dwenger, praying for churches; and Laura Nelson, praying for families.
Atmore National Day of Prayer
In Atmore, the threat of rain from the heavens pushed National Day of Prayer participants from a local park into the gym at Escambia County High School. Community, business and spiritual leaders led those gathered in prayer before participants read the entire Bible out loud in 30 minutes.
For more photos from the Atmore National Day of Prayer events, click here.
Pictured above and below: A National Day of Prayer service in Atmore. Photos by Marcella Green Wilson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge. Pictured inset: Century Mayor Freddie McCall prays as his city marked the National Day of Prayer Thursday. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Want To Read Rick Scott’s Email? Now You can
May 4, 2012
Email communications with the governor and his top office staff will be available on line as part of an effort Gov. Rick Scott said Thursday will fulfill a promise made on this first day to hold himself and his leadership team accountable.
Dubbed Project Sunburst, the web-based service will make public emails from Scott and 11 of his top staff available to the public, many within 24 hours. The governor said plans to expand the program to include agencies under his control.
“I invite Floridians to view my emails, as well as those of my leadership team, to learn more about how we are working to make Florida the best state for businesses to grow and expand and create jobs.”
Emails are available with search capabilities on the governor’s website at www.flgov.com/sunburst through Microsoft Outlook Web Access. Individuals can access the Sunburst system by using the user name and password “sunburst”. The governor’s office said it will continue to comply with regular public record requests.
Jim Allen Sock Hops Raises Money For Relay For Life
May 4, 2012
Jim Allen Elementary School students recently held a Relay for Life Sock Hop to raise money for the Relay of Life of Greater Escambia at Tate High School. The Jim Allen students were able to enjoy wearing crazy socks and dancing to raise $426 for the American Cancer Society. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
NHS Girls Track: Can You Spare A Dollar?
May 4, 2012
It’s a simple fundraiser underway by the Northview High School girl’s track team team — it’s a No Calorie and No Dust collecting fundraiser. The team is having a dollar drive — skipping asking people to buy expensive items to raise money. Instead, they are opting to ask Chiefs fans to just donate a buck.
During the first week of the event, the team raised $75. They are still asking friends, family and alumni to donate, and there’s special interest on from just how far away a donation might be sent.
Donations can be made to:
Northview High School
Girl’s Track
4100 West Hwy 4
Century, Fl 32535
The money collected with used to enhance the girl’s track program at Northview such as a camp and new equipment.
Pictured: This display on a wall at Northview High promotes a girls track team fundraiser. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
PIP Sponsors Say Governor Will Sign Bill Despite Glitch
May 4, 2012
Two key lawmakers behind Florida’s no-fault insurance reform package said Thursday they expect the governor to sign the new law Friday despite a potential glitch that could delay payments to some health providers.
House sponsor Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton , and his Senate counterpart Joe Negron, R-Stuart, said they’ve been assured that potential loopholes in portions of HB 119 will be plugged by agency rulemaking, or if that doesn’t work, an executive order during a six-month window that has been highlighted as a potential problem.
“I think the legislative intent is clear.” Negron said.
Lawmakers earlier this year passed the measure to make changes to personal injury protection insurance, a $10,000 medical benefit that critics say is rife with fraud, overutilization and litigation.
During the back and forth between chambers, authors overlooked the fact that a potential six month gap in coverage exists. While the new payment requirements kick in Jan. 1, other portions of the bill become effective six months earlier.
The gap raised red flags among some providers, who worried that insurers following the letter of the law would not have to make payments for a long list of health services.
State insurance regulators say they have been in contact with carriers over what they consider an obvious oversight and have been assured that insurers will continue to pay claims during that window.
Jack McDermott, spokesman for the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, said the agency expects few if any glitches in payments to providers.
Just in case, the Agency for Health Care Administration, which licenses health providers, is drafting language to clarify that payments to qualified providers will continue to flow.
“The purpose of the bill was not to create a six month gap,” McDermott said. “AHCA has publicly said they are going to issue rules to clear this up. We’ve encouraged insurers privately that PIP providers should be paid.”
The no-fault coverage, known as PIP, has come under fire from insurance industry representatives who say that staged crashes and skyrocketing use of non-emergency medical treatment have caused premiums for the coverage to rise dramatically.
PIP reform became a legislative priority for Gov. Rick Scott, who applauded lawmakers for coming together during the session’s final days to hammer out a compromise.
The law’s major provisions kick in Jan. 1, 2013 and include a detailed framework for which medical providers are eligible for reimbursement under PIP coverage. The list included physicians, hospitals, and chiropractors.
Other provisions of the law however, kick in six months earlier, leaving the potential that insurers would not be required to reimburse providers during that period. Sponsors, however, say such a potential is not expected to keep Scott from signing the bill Friday.
“If it comes to that I think there will be an agency rule to make it clear what we’re doing,” Boyd said. “But I don’t think it is going to come to that.”
By The News Service of Florida
Wahoos Split Double Header With Generals
May 4, 2012
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos split their double header with the Jackson Generals on Thursday evening in front of a sell-out crowd of 5,038 at Pensacola’s multi-use stadium, with Generals winning the first contest 3-1, while the Blue Wahoos answered with a 1-0 victory in the second game. The capacity crowd was the eighth in 12 home dates for the Blue Wahoos in their inaugural season.
It was quiet in the first contest until the fourth inning, when Jackson plated single tallies in the fourth, fifth and sixth frames. DH Joe Dunigan brought home the opening score with an RBI single, while run-scoring singles from RF Johermyn Chavez and SS Nick Franklin in the fifth and sixth frames, respectively.
The Blue Wahoos loaded the bases in the fourth and plated a run courtesy of an RBI infield single by 3B Henry Rodriguez but were stopped short from there in their comeback attempt. Rodriguez (2-3, 1 RBI) recorded the lone multi-hit effort for the Blue Wahoos, while Jackson 3B Francisco Martinez (2-3, 2 R, 1 2B) was the only Generals batter to collect two hits.
Jackson LHP James Paxton (5.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO) earned the win in the first game after yielding the unearned run on just three hits in 5.1 frames, while closer Stephen Pryor (1.2 IP, 4 SO) notched his seventh save of the year, fanning four of the five batters he faced. RHP Pedro Villarreal (6.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 SO) suffered the loss for Pensacola after allowing three earned runs on six hits in six innings.
Both teams were held scoreless in the second half of the twin bill until the sixth, when the Blue Wahoos broke the 0-0 draw. Rodriguez led off the frame by reaching on a fielding error and then took second and third on groundouts, before being plated on a clutch two-out run-scoring single to right by 2B Brodie Greene.
Pensacola RHP Daniel Corcino (6.0 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 4 SO) got the better of Jackson starter Taijuan Walker in the pitcher’s duel, earning the win after giving up just three hits in six shutout innings. Walker (5.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO) suffered the tough loss after allowing just the lone unearned run on five hits in 5.2 innings, while Blue Wahoos closer Donnie Joseph (1.0 IP, 2 SO) notched his fifth save of the season.
Rodriguez recorded at least one hit in each contest to extend his hitting streak to 11 games. The infielder is now tied with OF Ryan LaMarre for the longest such streak by a Blue Wahoos player this year.
The Blue Wahoos and Generals will meet again Friday night, with first pitch scheduled for 7:00 pm at the bayfront stadium. Pensacola RHP Tim Crabbe is expected to take the hill, while Jackson is slated to counter with RHP Brandon Maurer.
By Andrew Green
Pictured: Henry Rodriguez tallied three hits as Pensacola split their twin bill with Jackson Thursday night. Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
For The Love Of Baby Blaze
May 3, 2012
Baby Blaze Johnson will be eight weeks old Friday — just days before he faces his third open heart surgery. It’s a surgery that is not without tremendous risk, but without it, he will likely die.
His story began early March, born six weeks early to Katherine Johnson, an RN at Sacred Heart Hospital, a Chris “Squeaky” Johnson, a videographer for WEAR TV 3.
“He was the cutest little thing,” Chris said, his voice rising into the squeaky tone that earned his nickname. “He had big fingers and toes.”
The couple knew their first child, due to his premature birth, would spend a few weeks at Sacred Heart Hospital’s NICU, receiving oxygen as his lungs matured. It was mountain that knew they could climb.
But by the time Blaze was five days old, the nurses at Sacred Heart knew that something just wasn’t right. And his oxygen levels began to plummet; his heart fell into a dangerous rhythm.
“They were about to shock him; they were about to shock our baby,” Chris said. He understood the gravity of the situation, and Katherine, an RN in Sacred Heart’s emergency room, was more than aware where they stood at that moment.
Doctors ordered an ultrasound. The results were frightening.
“My heart fell into my chest,” Chris said. “Everything was suppose to be fine. All the ultrasounds before he was born said he was healthy. This wasn’t suppose to be happening. We were OK with the breathing problems, and then were suppose to take him home and we would be fine. There are no words to describe it.”
The couple was forced to choose which of a handful of major children’s hospitals in the south would see Blaze. They choose Emory in Atlanta because Katherine had relatives that lived not to far away. Blaze and Katherine were quickly flown to Atlanta; Chris drove behind them.
Heart abnormalities had thrown a major curve ball into the lives of the young family, as their youngest was in real jeopardy.
Surgeries were performed; there were some successes, some failures. And this week the couple was faced with the decision on a risky surgery that could certainly mean life or death for their baby.
“We were given three choices: do nothing and he would die; stents that he would outgrow; or another surgery,” Chris said. Doctors will, on Friday, perform the surgery if all goes as planned.
Essentially, Blaze is without one of his heart chambers. Doctors will work to create a “well” in tissue that will replace the chamber. It’s a rarely done procedure, not something from a medical textbook.
“Please keep praying that God keeps this little boy in his hands, heal him and be with the doctors as they make their decision and assist God in this very difficult surgery,” Katherine wrote on the Baby Blaze Fan Club page on Facebook.
As he describes Blaze’s condition, Chris speaks with little emotion, sounding almost distant from the past seven weeks have been something of nonstop blur.
“I’m the father. I have to stay strong for Blaze and for Katherine. It’s my duty. You do what you have to do for your children.”
“But it does bother me,” he said, “I’ve shed many tears, but I must remain strong for my family.”
The Johnsons are not in their battle alone. Communities across the area have rallied behind them; over 1,100 people have joined the Facebook fan club for Blaze.
“The words of others on the Facebook page, the calls, the text messages, the prayers from people that don’t even know us that tell us how his story has touched them — it’s all given us strength,” he said. “But it’s also brought us closer to God and His strength.”
Chris’ father — Henry Franklin Johnson, a former chief of the Flomaton Fire Department — died of cancer in 2000. The name “Blaze” is a tribute to him, and a tribute to Katherine’s father Henry Page, who was also a volunteer fireman. Shortly after the death of Chris’ father, his brother died.
“God was preparing me for this with Blaze,” Chris said, emotion returning to his voice. “You can’t tell me there’s no God. I could not see it then when my father and brother died. But you can’t tell me God does not have a purpose. He was preparing me, making me strong for Blaze.”
For now, it’s about the little milestones in Blaze’s life. The tiniest baby steps of sorts. The couple realized a major milestone Wednesday as they were able to hold their baby Blaze for the first time in about seven weeks.
“Oh how I wish I could just make him whole,” Chris said. “I just want to hold him and know that he’s OK. It’s in God’s hands and God’s time.”
A benefit yard sale and bake sale will be held this Saturday at Flomaton First Baptist Church from 8 a.m. until for the Johnson’s expenses for baby Blaze. For information or to donate yard sale items, contact Renee Merchant at (850) 791-4106. There is also a benefit account under the name “Baby Blaze Fan Club” at Region’s Bank.
To join the Baby Blaze Fanclub on Facebook, click here.
Pictured top: Mom Katherine Johnson holds her son Blaze Wednesday for the first time in seven weeks. Pictured additional photos: Baby Blaze Johnson. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
