Correction: Byrneville Community Center
March 4, 2012
A few hours after we published photos of a misspelled sign on the Byrneville Community Center, the sign was repainted last Thursday. The misspelled sign can be seen in the photo to the left; the corrected sign is pictured above and below. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
BP Settles Up For $7.8 Billion Over Oil Spill
March 4, 2012
BP says it has reached a $7.8 billion settlement with plaintiffs, both businesses and individuals, that had sued over the 2010 Deepwater Horizon rig explosion and oil spill.
BP said in a company release that the settlement will be paid out of the $20 billion victim compensation trust fund that it had set up. A trial had been scheduled to start Monday in New Orleans on liability for the explosion. With the settlement, the trial now won’t go forward, though the court must approve the settlement terms.
BP has said it has spent more than $20 billion in the aftermath of the April 2010 explosion that ended up causing the largest oil spill in U.S. history. The majority of that was money spent responding, but that also includes more than $8 billion paid out to business owners who lost money because of the spill’s effect on beaches, and repaid to local governments for their response and cleanup costs.
The company still faces claims by the federal government for violations of the Clean Water Act and other damages. The company may also continue to face other litigation, such as claims filed by shareholders.
Santa Rosa Wreck Claims One Life
March 4, 2012
A 22-year old Pace man died in a single vehicle crash Saturday afternoon in Santa Rosa County.
William Fredrick Beasley was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on Highway 87 south of Old Choctaw Road. He was a passenger in a 2003 Dodge driven by Tahir Horatio Wallen, 18, of Milton. Wallen lost control of the vehicle, ran off the road and hit several trees, ejecting Beasley, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Wallen was transported to the Santa Rosa Medical Center with minor injuries. Charges against him are pending, according to the FHP.
Schoolyard Fight: What Can Parents Do About Failing Schools?
March 4, 2012
Legislation that would give parents more ability to determine how to make over a failing school was rammed through a Senate committee on Saturday, a likely preview of a contentious floor fight over charter schools, unions and parental support.
By a 13-7 vote, the Senate Budget Committee on Saturday approved SB 1718, the so called “parent trigger” bill. The most controversial element would allow parents of a failing school to dictate recovery strategies, including the use of for-profit charters, if a majority of them sign petitions to do so.
Backers say the measure is a response to a recalcitrant school system that is slow to change and deaf to the needs of communities. The bill is being championed by former Gov. Jeb Bush and Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island.
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What is to be afraid of having parents involved in their children’s education?,” asked Senate sponsor Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers. “Why? Why do we fight so hard against parents standing up to say I would like you to consider this?”
Critics say the measure represents yet another nail driven at public education and the teacher unions by backers of for-profit charter school companies that lack the same accountability standards of traditional public schools.
“I have four children who graduated from public schools. They all have master’s degrees,” said Sen. Gwen Margolis, D-Miami. “…I don’t know what problem you have.”
The proposal ramps up accountability standards on a number of fronts, but the most controversial measure, by far, deals with failing schools.
The provision says once a school earns an “F,” if improvement doesn’t happen within a year, parents could dictate what will happen, if 51 percent of them agree.
They still would be limited to certain options laid out in federal law, and the plan would be subject to Department of Education approval.
Among their options, parents could force the school district to transfer students to other schools; close the school and re-open it as a charter school with a new governing board running it; or contract with an outside management group to run it – essentially privatize it.
Evident Saturday was that the measure is a top priority of Haridopolos and other Senate leaders. Not normally a member of the committee, Senate Majority Leader and incoming Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, took a high profile role Saturday, as did prospective future presidents Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, and Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine.
Forced to vote on the bill before the meeting adjourned at 10 a.m., some committee members said the haste by which such a controversial measure was being considered was inappropriate and unnecessary.
“We are playing around with the lives of children in our schools,” said Sen. Evelyn Lynn, R-Ormond Beach. “And it’s time to stop.”
The idea for the parent trigger comes from California, where two years ago that state’s legislature passed a similar bill giving parents in failing schools a majority vote on whether to turn it into a charter school.
“When you have parents involved in their child’s education, it inures to the success of the child,” said Mike Trujillo, a representative of Parent Revolution, which spearheaded California efforts. “What this is, is a vehicle by which parents can be involved in their local school community.”
Union representatives say it’s too early to tell if the California effort has made any long-term gain. What is apparent is that it has been controversial and litigious, pitting families against each other.
“There has been so much animosity that it does more damage in the long run than the improvement they thought they were trying to create,” said Jeff Wright, public advocacy director for the Florida Education Association.
Improvement in a failing school requires the cooperation of parents, the local business community and local government to put forth a matrix of surrounding services from after-school programs to nutritional support and mentoring. Wright said. The bill, as it stands, does none of that.
“This simply allows a private management company to own your school for a time period,” Wright said. “Once they get whatever they get out of it , like profits maybe, then they leave and the public school is held accountable.”
But Budget Committee chairman JD Alexander, R-Lake Wales, said the underlying impetus behind the charter school movement has been the perception by parents that school officials have not addressed their needs.
In his area, Alexander said charters schools have thrived while the traditional public school has plenty of empty space.
“I’ve been involved in charter conversion efforts and seen firsthand how districts really don’t listen to parents,” Alexander said. “In many districts, they do a very miserable job of reforming schools.”
The bill now travels to the Senate floor. The House bill, HB 1191, passed that chamber earlier this week on an 80-34 vote.
By The News Service of Florida
Man Dies In Highway 113 Crash
March 4, 2012
A 25-year old Alabama man died in single vehicle wreck north of Flomaton Friday night.
Authorities said Steven McLaurin Hagen lost control of his 2000 Oldsmobile Bravada about 8:30 p.m. on Highway 113 near Hall Creek Road, about seven miles north of Flomaton. The vehicle rolled over, ejecting the Hagen. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Escambia County EMS. There were no other occupants in the vehicle.
The accident remains under investigation by Alabama State Troopers. The Flomaton, Pineview, Barnett Crossroads and Friendship volunteer fire departments, and Escambia County (Fla.) EMS also responded to the crash.
Pictured: One person was killed in this single vehicle wreck north of Flomaton Friday night. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two Injured In Byrneville Wreck
March 3, 2012
Two people were injured in a single vehicle rollover accident midday Saturday on Byrneville Road.
The accident happened about noon. in the 900 block of Byrneville Road, near Central Water Works. The 19-year old driver of a Chevrolet Blazer appeared to have lost control, ran off the road, over-corrected, returned to the roadway and overturned. The driver and a 10-year old passenger were transported by Escambia County EMS to Jay Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.
The Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded to the call.
Picture above and below: Two people were injured in this crash Saturday afternoon in Byrneville. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
School Nurses Being Cut
March 3, 2012
Over five dozen school nurses and health support technicians are being cut out of Escambia County Schools next year, but officials say there will still be someone available to treat children’s illnesses and injuries.
An estimated budget deficit of $3.18 million is leading to the cuts by the Escambia County Health Department totaling about $1.8 million in the school nursing program. Across the county, there will be 42 nurses, 24 health support technicians and one senior administrative clerk cut from the payroll.
Currently there is at least a two-person health care team in each county public school comprised of a full time school nurse and a health technician. Beginning next year, there will only be 15 school nurses, seven of which will serve a regional cluster of schools. There will be 54 health support technicians remaining, with one in every school.
Next year’s reduced staffing will be similar to 1996, the year the school health nurse program was expanded to each county school.
Cutting nurses will also mean and end to health education classes and Body Mass Index (BMI) screenings.
“In addition, at most schools, a nurse will not be on campus to respond to emergencies, oversee medication administration and health procedures, and manage student illnesses,” Said Dr. John Lanza, Escambia County Health Department director. “In addition, the loss will hamper the ECHD’s ability to respond to disasters in our community.”
Pictured : Northview High School School Nurse Michelle Hinote treats a student’s minor arm injury Friday morning at the school. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Gulf Power Linemen On Hand As House Approves ‘Lineworker Appreciate Day’
March 3, 2012
Four Gulf Power linemen were among about 80 lineworkers from across the state who were recognized Friday in the House of Representatives in Tallahassee.
Clint Floyd, Mark Truitt and Robert Duke, all line techs in the Escambia County area, and David Cope, the Planning & Construction team leader in Panama City Beach, were there to support the introduction of a resolution to make August 26, 2012, “Lineworker Appreciation Day” across the state.
The motivation for Lineworker Appreciation Day comes from Tracy Moore, wife of former Lakeland Electric lineman Marc Moore, who died while working on Aug. 26, 2002. The resolution will honor thousands of men and women who risk their lives every day, ensuring the reliable delivery of electricity throughout the state.
“We are honored to be here,” Floyd said. “As lineworkers, we are all brothers and sisters, whether it’s at Gulf Power, the state or the nation. We care about each other and we show support for each other.”
The four, along with Carl Punyko, Governmental Affairs manager, met with Moore and her family. She gave them wristbands that read, “Linemen are Heroes Too … Never Forget Aug. 26.” They presented her and her two sons with Gulf Power hats.
Later, the four Gulf Power linemen were recognized again by Rep. Debbie Mayfield (R-Vero Beach), who is a Pensacola native and whose brother, Steve Minton, works at Gulf Power. The linemen also met local representatives Clay Ford and Clay Ingram.
“It’s nice that the state wants to recognize lineworkers,” Duke said. “We appreciate their efforts.”
Pictured top: : Tracy Moore, center, with the Gulf Power linemen, from left, Clint Floyd, Robert Duke, Mark Truitt and David Cope, and Carl Punyko, Governmental Affairs manager, at the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee on Friday. Moore, whose lineworker husband in Lakeland died on the job in 2002, spearheaded a resolution that will make Aug. 26 “Lineworker Appreciation Day” in the state. Pictured below: Mark Truitt, red hat, a Gulf Power lineman, stands with other lineworkers across the state as Rep. Seth McKeel (R-Lakeland) talks about the resolution to honor lineworkers across the state on Aug. 26. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Weekend Gardening: Caring For Camellias
March 3, 2012
One of Northwest Florida’s most reliable and rewarding shrubs is the camellia. Providing dark green leaves throughout the year, gardeners are rewarded in late winter or early spring with a variety of beautifully colored and shaped flowers. Camellias tend to thrive in our acidic soil but they do require some routine maintenance.
Pick up the fallen flowers. A fungal disease known as petal blight will rapidly turn entire flowers brown. If a camellia has petal blight, remove and dispose of all blighted flowers both on the plant and on the ground. You may also consider discarding the old mulch around the shrub and apply a layer of fresh mulch. This practice sometimes helps prevent fungal spores from blowing back onto new flowers. One of the best ways to prevent this disease is to pick up and destroy fallen blooms. Flowers will continue to drop for several weeks, so it’s important to pick up blooms several times a week.
Scout for tea scale. One of the most common insect pests of camellia is a scale insect known as tea scale. Check the underside of leaves regularly for this annoying pest. These small, sessile, white, thin, sap-sucking insects can build up large numbers if you do not regularly inspect your plants and take corrective measures when scale is first found. Often your first clue will be spotty yellowing on the upper surface of the leaves. Horticultural oil can be used in the winter time if used before blooming or in spring after blooming. Do not apply horticultural oil when near-freezing temperatures may be expected. Always carefully read and follow pesticide label directions before use.
Expect some leaves to fall in the spring. Camellias are “evergreen” meaning that they have leaves on the shrub year round. However, as individual leaves age, they will fall from the shrub and are replaced with new leaves in the spring. It is not unusual for camellia to drop up to 30 percent of their leaves. As long as new leaves are developing, there is no need for concern.
Camellia can be pruned after they flower. The most important reason for pruning camellias is to improve the overall health of the plant. Many times, camellias that have not been pruned in a few years will develop dead or deteriorating twigs. Removing the dead and dying limbs will minimize the possibility of diseases such as “dieback” and will also allow the plant to re-concentrate its energies. In many instances, camellias that have been neglected for a number of years will become infested with scale insects. Pruning is an effective way to provide for better coverage of chemical sprays and increase air circulation.
Lichens are warning signs. Lichens are gray-green to green mossy growths on the stems of old, neglected camellias. The lichen is a combination of a fungus and an alga that grows symbiotically. They are not parasitic to the camellia. Affected plants usually need fertilizing, watering, and mulching for better growing conditions.
Fertilizer applications help to achieve maximum performance. Apply fertilizer in the spring after blooming but before new growth starts. With many fertilizers, small amounts at frequent intervals are better than heavy applications. Special camellia fertilizers are available at your local stores. One application in early spring after blooming should be followed by a second application in mid June to early July. Scatter the fertilizer evenly on top of the mulch and away from the main stem of the plant. Water the fertilizer into the soil. Do not fertilize after July, so the plants will have a longer time to harden off and avoid freeze damage.
Theresa Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.
Junior Miss Ernest Ward Middle School Named (With Photo Gallery)
March 3, 2012
Jadlyn Agerton was named Junior Miss Ernest Ward Middle School Friday during the school’s annual pageant.
First runner-up was Raegan Harrell; second runner-up was Lillie Allen; and third runner-up was Alexys Smith. Elizabeth Wright was named Miss Congeniality, while Agerton received the Physical Fitness Reward. The Poise and Appearance award was presented to Harrell.
Picture top: (L-R) Second Runner-up Lillie Allen, First Runner-up Raegan Harrell, Junior Miss Ernest Ward Middle School Jadlyn Agerton and Third Runner-Up Alexys Smith. Pictured left: Agerton awaits the judges’ decision backstage during Friday night’s Junior Miss Ernest Ward Middle School pageant. Pictured below: Allen is crowned third runner-up. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
