Dixie Group, Masland Carpets Turn First Quarterly Profit Since ‘08
March 14, 2011
For the first time since 2008, Dixie Group — the parent company of Masland Carpets — has posted a quarterly profit.
“We are cautiously optimistic that 2011 will be a year of steady growth as we recover from the unprecedented downturn of the last few years,” said Daniel K. Frierson, chairman and chief executive officer. The company reported a net income of $516,000, or four cents per share, for the fourth quarter of 2010 compared with a net loss of $3,623,000, or $0.29 per diluted share, for the year-earlier period.
Across the industry, carpet sales were up less than one percent last year, but Dixie Group sales were up 14 percent.
Masland has added about 50 employees during the last six months to its Atmore facility for a total employment of about 410. The company also employees 160 in Saraland, Alabama.
Half Million Dollar Expansion Underway At Cantonment Park
March 14, 2011
A nearly half million dollar expansion is underway at the Cantonment Athletic Park. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of June.
The Escambia County Commission awarded the $492,197.50 construction contract to low-bidder Roads, Inc., of NWF. The project consists of the addition of two multi-use practice fields at the park, including a grass parking lot, landscaping and drainage improvements.
The proposed site is currently wooded and almost completely surrounded by wetlands. A Florida Department of Environmental Protection permit will allow access to the site from the current park with a paved entrance road with a culvert structure.
The park expansion will be funded with local option sales tax monies.
There were a total of nine companies that bid on the project. The second lowest bidder was Gulf Equipment Corp. at $509,312.50 while the highest bid was $653,243.57 from J.B. Coxwell Contracting, Inc.
The Cantonment Athletic Park is an 80 acre regional park at 681 Well Line Road. The park has 12 baseball and softball fields, one football field, restrooms, concessions, playground and security lights. A partnership with Cantonment Baseball Club and Cantonment Football Club provides for various youth athletic programs at the park.
Pictured: An aerial view of the Cantonment Athletic Park showing 12 baseball and softball fields and one football field. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Week Ahead In Florida Government
March 14, 2011
Here’s a look at some of the big issues in Florida government this week:
DOLLARS AND CENTS
While there are several big policy issues making their way through the Legislature, for budget watchers Friday is the big day of the coming week. The Revenue Estimating Conference on Friday will give lawmakers the latest look at the amount of money expected to be coming in, which gives them an amount to work with when writing the budget. Generally, the expectation is that there won’t be too much change from the $3.6 billion shortfall economists projected a few months ago.
MERIT PAY
The proposal to shift the way teachers are paid to a merit-based system depending in part on how well students do on tests is on the House floor on Tuesday. The bill, which would put an end to tenure pay systems for new teachers, is one of the most controversial before lawmakers, but has wide support among controlling Republicans and is expected to pass. Teachers generally don’t like it, and the state teachers union opposes it. A Senate version of the bill (SB 736) has already passed the Senate, and the House version is expected to largely conform to that, meaning the bill could be one of the first to go to Gov. Rick Scott this year.
MEDICAID OVERHAUL
The House also begins the serious work of revamping the Medicaid system, shifting patients into privately-run managed care plans. The proposal, which has been discussed for several years, is in two proposed committee bills rolled out last weekend and those two measures will be workshopped in the House HHS Committee on Monday.
CENSUS FIGURES OUT THIS WEEK
Lawmakers and others champing at the bit to begin redrawing political boundaries can get started this week as the U.S. Census Bureau is scheduled to release population data for Florida as part of its national rollout that is by law to be completed by April 1. Population and demographic data will be released for Florida, Georgia and a handful of other states sometime this week, the bureau announced Thursday. Census takers are going to give state lawmakers a 24 hour head start before releasing the figures to the public, under a protocol federal officials say is meant to ensure the accuracy of the data.
By The News Service Florida
Pensacola Man Dies In Escambia, Ala. Wreck; Santa Rosa Crash Claims One
March 13, 2011
A Pensacola man was killed in a single vehicle accident early Saturday morning in Escambia County, Alabama, and a Baker man died in a Santa Rosa County crash.
Donald Joseph Mandel, 28, of Pensacola, died in an accident about 3:10 a.m. on Appleton Road about seven miles north of Brewton. His 1998 Hyundai left the road at a high rate of speed, and struck a fence and tree before overturning according to Alabama State Troopers. Mandel was pronounced dead at the scene.
Alabama State troopers are continuing their investigation into the accident.
About 9:45 Saturday morning on I-10 in Santa Rosa County, a single vehicle crash claimed the life of Gerald Thompson, 21, of Baker. He was a passenger in a 2002 Chevrolet Blazer driven by Patricia E. Thompson, 65, of Baker. She was critically injured and transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.
Patricia Thompson was westbound on I-10 when she lost control and overturned twice before the Blazer came to rest on its roof. Charges are pending the result of an ongoing investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
One Man’s Trash, Another Man’s Blessing
March 13, 2011
One man’s trash is another man’s blessing a new Molino Thrift Store.
The Molino Outreach Ministry Thrift Store is a little different that many other thrift stores. Not only are the prices lower than some thrift stores (clothes begin at just 29 cents, and no used clothing is over $3), the business has a mission of reaching out to those in need and returning their profits directly to the community.
According to Manager Jason Lee, a Baptist pastor, the store returns 10 percent to churches in the community. The 10 percent figure was no accident; it was chosen because of the 10 percent tithe from the Bible.
“We reach out to the community by pricing the items as low as possible so that the person buying it receives a blessing,” Lee said. “When people are hurting, they will go to the church in their neighborhood, and we provide vouchers to churches in the area so that someone truly in need can receive they help they need in purchasing items.”
“We’ve had people come in when it was cold an ask if the could work for a few hours to earn a coat,” he said. “That’s a blessing to them.”
When an individual donates items to the Molino Outreach Ministry Thrift Store, the items’ price tags are marked with a code for the church of their choice. At the end of the month, each church receives 10 percent of sales with their code. The process has worked well, Lee said, with many dollars being returned to churches in Molino, Cantonment, Walnut Hill, McDavid, Flomaton, Century and surrounding areas.
Lee, who is pastor at the Oak Haven Baptist Church in Pensacola, sees the store as a mission field — an opportunity for his role as pastor to reach those that walk through the doors, and as another opportunity for local churches to reach the community.
The Molino Outreach Ministry Thrift Store is located on Highway 29 at Molino Road, in the former Grocery Advantage building. The store is open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., except for Wednesdays when they close at 5 p.m. The store is also open 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturdays, and it is closed on Sundays.
Donations are accepted during business hours. For donations outside business hours, for more information, or to volunteer at the store, contact Lee at (850) 791-8357.
Pictured top: Pastor Jason Lee prices toys recently at the Molino Outreach Ministry Thrift Store. Pictured inset: The store occupies the former Grocery Advantage building on Highway 29 at Molino Road. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man, 25, Gets Life In Prison For Burglary, Grand Theft
March 13, 2011
An Escambia County man was sentenced to life in prison as a re-offender by Judge John Parnham late last week.
Wendell Ray Hurley, 25, was convicted in October 15, 2010, of principal to armed burglary with a firearm and principal to grand theft of a firearm by an Escambia County jury. The life sentenced was based upon his extensive criminal record, according to State Attorney Bill Eddins.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred May 29, 2009 at the home of Paul Otto in Escambia County. After learning from his brother that there was a gun in the home, Hurley and another man drove to the home, entered through a window and stole the gun along with several other items, according to Eddins.
Owens Named Washington Youth Tour Winner
March 13, 2011
Meredith Owens of Jay has been named the winner of the Youth Tour to Washington contest for co-op employee’s children.
Meredith is the daughter of Rick and Sabrina Owens. Sabrina is employed by Escambia River Electric Cooperative, and children of employees are not eligible for EREC’s Youth Tour competition.
Meredith competed against other electric cooperative employees’ children across the state of Florida by writing an essay entitled “America’s Energy Future” and was selected by a panel of judges to represent the Florida Electric Cooperative Association on the tour.
Meredith will travel by plane to Washington, D. C. June 10-16 and visit the historic sites of our nation’s capitol along with approximately 1,500 other Youth Tour delegates from all across the country. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about our nation’s government, rural electrification and will make many new friends.
Two non-EREC employee children also headed on the Washington Youth Tour. Click here for an earlier story.
Pictured: Meredith Owens. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Greg Evers Weekly Wrap-Up: Septic Tanks, Gun Open Carry, Health Care
March 13, 2011
This week marked the beginning of the 2011 legislative session. I am working hard with my fellow legislators to represent and serve the people of District 2 and to pass legislation that will help protect our communities and restore Florida’s economy and workforce.
Senate Bill 168, my bill permanently repealing the septic tank inspection requirement, is pending in the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee. I will continue to fight to get this bill passed to provide relief from unnecessary, expensive and burdensome government intrusion.
Senate Bill 234, relating to the open carry of firearms, continues to be a priority for me and will be up for a vote on the afternoon of Monday, March 14th in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee. During a committee meeting this past week, the bill was amended to remove the provision that would have allowed for concealed carry license holders to carry firearms on college campuses for self defense and other lawful purposes. While I continue to believe that a Floridian’s Second Amendment right of self defense should apply on college and university campuses in our state, I also understand that compromise is a necessary part of the legislative process. I intend to continue to work to defend our Second Amendment rights and I look forward to the debate and consideration of Senate Bill 234 in committee next week.
On Wednesday, the Senate passed Senate Joint Resolution 2, which will allow Floridians the opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment in 2012 that will protect their rights to make their own health care decisions, free of government intervention. I look forward to the Florida House of Representatives taking up and passing this proposed constitutional amendment so that it will be on the general election ballot in 2012, allowing Floridians to vote for their health care freedom.
This week I had the unique opportunity to speak with tea party movement leaders across our state, including several leader-activists from the Panhandle. Their input, enthusiasm and dedication to the betterment of our great state and country is inspiring. I want to extend a special thank you to these dedicated citizens who took the time to come to Tallahassee and meet with my colleagues and myself. I encourage all of you to do the same.
I want to take this opportunity to remind you of the upcoming 2011 Lincoln Day Dinner being held at New World Landing in Pensacola on the evening of Friday, March 25, 2011 from 6 – 9 p.m. Hosted by The Escambia County Republican Executive Committee, the dinner will feature Governor Rick Scott as guest speaker of the night. I invite those of you interested in purchasing tickets to contact Chairman@EscambiaRepublicans.com. I am looking forward to attending and would love to see you there.
As always, please continue to send me your priorities and concerns for the legislative session. For further assistance, do not hesitate to contact me at greg@gregevers.com or call my office at (850) 689-0556 with any questions or concerns.
Thank you for your continued input and support!
Greg Evers
Bill Would Cut Citizens Property Insurance Reach
March 13, 2011
The state-run insurer of last resort would not cover newly constructed homes in the state’s most hurricane-prone areas under a provision to be introduced next week and backed by a oddly diverse coalition of interests who who usually don’t agree.
Sen. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, said Friday that will propose to prevent Citizens Property Insurance Corp. from offering new policies in coastal and high risk areas of the state.
The provision, which Hays plans to offer as an amendment to another insurance measure he’s sponsoring, would also prohibit the state-backed insurer after June 1, 2012 from providing coverage to owners who remodel existing homes if the fix up increases the value of their home by 50 percent or more.
The provisions would not drop coverage for the 400,000 Citizens policyholders who currently are in the company’s high risk pool for wind or multi-peril coverage.
The underlying bill, SB 1714, makes changes that would reduce the number of coastal residents insured by the state-run pool. Citizens has seen its ranks swell in the past several years as private companies like Allstate, Nationwide and others bail out or dramatically reduce their books of business across the state. Now, with 1.2 million policyholders, Citizens is the largest property insurer in state.
Joining Hays in supporting the proposal are environmentalists, who support slower growth along the coasts.
Hays and other conservatives are pushing the idea because of their opposition to the state taking such a large role in the insurance business, and the peril in which it puts the taxpayers in the event of a large loss for Citizens.
“My goal is to depopulate Citizens, to make it as small as we can make it as rapidly as we can,” Hays said.
Citizens currently has $400 billion in exposure in coastal regions but has only $4.5 billion in reserves. In the event of a catastrophic storm, Citizens would pay its claims by assessing all property and automobile insurance policyholders, a scenario critics say is patently unfair.
“The Citizens Property Insurance Corp. is a threat to Florida’s fiscal well-being, it’s a threat to residents’ safety and it is a threat to the environment,” said Eli Lehrer of the Heartland Institute, a fiscally conservative organization that wants the state out of the insurance business.
On Friday, Hays was joined at a news conference by representatives of the Florida Wildlife Federation, 1,000 Friends of Florida, the Sea Turtle Conservancy. They stood side by side with representatives of fiscally conservative organizations like Heartland, the James Madison Institute, Americans for Prosperity and the Tallahassee Tea Party that support the measure.
“Some of these areas are some of our state’s most valuable coastal habitats,” said Manley Fuller of Florida Wildlife Federation “We think this bill is a place … where conservation and good economic sense come together.”
Hays plans to add the provision to SB 1714, filed earlier this week, that allows Citizens to increase residential policyholders’ rates by 25 percent on any single policy, excluding coverage changes and surcharges, and restricts who could purchase insurance from the state-backed insurer.
The proposal makes a number of changes to Citizens, including a phase out of Citizens coverage for the most expensive homes, with the state-run insurer by 2016 only covering homes worth less than $500,000. It also would prohibit Citizens policyholders from using public adjusters to file claims.
Officials at Citizens didn’t return a call for comment Friday.
Jack McDermott, spokesman at the Office of Insurance Regulation, said the office supports the underlying bill, but couldn’t comment yet on the proposed amendment.
Pictured: Sen. Alan Hays talks to reporters about his Citizens Property Insurance Corp. proposal in Tallahassee. Photo for NorthEscambia.comm, click to enlarge.
By Michael Peltier
The News Service of Florida
Featured Recipe: Crispy Hot Wings
March 13, 2011
This weekend’s featured recipe from Janet Tharpe is Crispy Sticky Hot Wings. They are close to famous restaurant hot wings. Add more hot sauce for an extra kick.
To print today’s “Just a Pinch” recipe column, you can click the image below to load a printable pdf with a recipe card.
