Rep. Broxson Gets Committee Assignments
December 18, 2010
House Speaker Dean Cannon on Friday released the list of House committee assignments as members gear up for hearings that will begin last month. The Winter Park Republican had already made public his choices on chairmen and vice chairmen of the chambers 33 committees and subcommittees.
Doug Broxson, whose District 1 includes North Escambia and northern Santa Rosa, was appointed to the following committees:
- Rulemaking & Regulation Subcommittee
- Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee
- K-20 Competitiveness Subcommittee
- Finance & Tax Committee
- Transportation & Highway Safety Subcommittee
Creative Gardening Gift Ideas
December 18, 2010
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.
Cat’s Hat Raises Money For Manna Thanks To Elly Saye From Jay
December 18, 2010
The Manna Hat Auction conducted by Cat Country 98.7 raised a record $1,250 for Manna Food Pantries in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties thanks to a lady from Jay.
Last year the Cat Country 98.7 Manna Hat raised $540, but this year’s bid from Elly Saye from Jay was more than double that amount.
“I feel privileged to have won this auction. I would like to thank Cat Country for doing this to help the Manna Food Pantries. I am making this donation in the memory of my father in law David E Saye who went to be with the Lord on October 29, 2010. He loved to give and help others. I will finish with a Merry Christmas to All, and find it in your heart to do something for someone needy this holiday season,” Saye said.
Country artists like CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Blake Shelton helped out by autographing the special hat that was put on the eBay auction website this week. ACA Artist of the Year Carrie Underwood, a second time signer, said, “it is a great way to help feed the hungry”. The hat was signed by other big names like Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bently, Brooks and Dunn, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert and more. The signatures were personally gathered by morning show host Brent Lane, who said, “the artists all signed it enthusiastically”.
“Cat Country 98 7’s mission is to help our community in every way that we can. All the artists who were involved in this should be applauded for their contributions as well,” said Cat Country owner Dave Hoxeng.
One hundred percent of the auction proceeds will be donated by Cat Country to the Manna Food Pantries before Christmas.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
BBB Warns Of Five Common Holiday Giving Mistakes
December 18, 2010
Every holiday, billions of dollars are donated to worthy causes and now more than ever charities need the support of donors to help those who are struggling. The Better Business Bureau wants to help donors avoid five common mistakes to help maximize their dollar in these tough economic times.
“With so many people out of work and in need, it’s extremely important that you maximize the impact your holiday donations have by avoiding the common giving mistakes,” said Norman Wright, president and CEO of the BBB Northwest Florida. “A smart donor takes a hard look at a charity’s programs, finances and governance before making a donation. While almost all charities have the best of intentions, not all organizations meet standards or are well managed.”
The r BBB recommends that donors avoid these common mistakes when donating to a charity this holiday:
Assuming that only “low overhead” matters. How much money a charity spends on the actual cause—as compared to how much goes toward fundraising and administration—is an important factor, but it’s not the whole story. A charity with impressive financial ratios could have other significant problems such as insufficient transparency, inadequate board activity and inaccurate appeals.
Failing to do your research before you give. Even good friends may not have fully researched the charities they endorse, so don’t just take their word for it. Expertise is available. Go to www.bbb.org/charity to verify that a charity meets the BBB’s 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Succumbing to high-pressure, emotional pitches. Giving on the spot is never necessary, no matter how hard a telemarketer or door-to-door solicitor pushes it. The charity that needs your money today will welcome it just as much tomorrow.
Assuming that the charity wants any item you donate. Worn out, unusable or unwanted donated goods cost charities millions of dollars each year because the organization has to bear the cost of tossing the unacceptable donation. If you have questions about an item’s acceptability, call the charity and ask.
Mistaking a charity’s identity. With so many charities in existence, their names can blur in a donor’s mind and similar-sounding organizations are common. Be sure you know which charity you’re supporting and that it’s not a case of mistaken identity.
Donors can check out BBB evaluations on local soliciting charities for free by calling (850) 429-0002, (800) 729-9226 or online at bbb.org.
Eight Homeless After Escambia Fire
December 17, 2010
Eight people are homeless after an overnight fire damaged two Escambia County homes.
At 1:31 a.m., a fire was reported in the 4300 block of Erress Boulevard. When firefighters arrived they found a heavy fire in the rear of two of the row houses. The fire was quickly spreading throughout one of the homes and was spreading into the attic of the other.
The fire, declared under control at 2:49 a.m., caused major damage to one home and moderate attic damage and smoke damage to the other one. An investigator from the Florida State Fire Marshal’s office determined an electrical problem in the rear of the house was the cause of the fire.
The American Red Cross was called to assist eight people from the two damaged homes.
The fire marked the 11th red bulb representing a residential fire in Escambia County’s “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign.
Quarter Million Dollar Roof Replacement For Ernest Ward Middle Gym
December 17, 2010
A nearly quarter million dollar roof replacement is on the way to two buildings at Ernest Ward Middle School.
The roof of the school’s gym and a small adjacent building will be replaced at a cost of $227,515 by Edwards Roofing of Pensacola. The Escambia County School Board was expected to approve the project at their December 14 regular meeting, but that meeting was postponed until January due to the lack of quorum.
The replacement roofs will have a standard 15-year warranty. The school gym was constructed in 1978. The smaller adjacent brick building, which housed a weight room and coaches’ offices, was constructed in 1955.
The project was one of many recommended by a district-wide roof survey that was conducted in 2009. The total $364,076 project set for school board approval also includes roof replacements on buildings at Workman Middle School ($23,826), A.K. Suter Elementary School ($33,980) and Oakcrest Elementary ($78,755).
Pictured: The roof on the gym at Ernest Ward Middle School is slated for replacement. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Audits Find Constitutional Violation At Bratt, Minor Problem At Tate
December 17, 2010
Internal audits conducted at Bratt Elementary and Tate High found that all of the audited accounts balanced. But the audits on internal accounts showed Bratt Elementary violated the Florida Constitution with improper donation letters, and both schools spent internal account funds when school district monies should have been used.
Each year, the Escambia County School District conducts limited audits on the internal accounts at each school in the county, while a percentage of schools receive full audits on internal accounts. The internal accounts represent monies that are controlled and dispersed at the school level.
Tate High and Bratt Elementary were the only North Escambia area schools to receive full internal fund audits for the last fiscal year.
Bratt Elementary
At Bratt Elementary School, an audit of an account with a $39,807.85 at the end of the last fiscal year was found to balance with no discrepancies, but the audit found that proper procedures were not followed regarding the utilization of budgeted funds and regarding donation letters.
The Bratt internal fund audit found that donation letters sent home to parents violated state and county policy. Under the Florida Constitution, the school is not allowed to assess fees to students as part of their free public eduction.
The Bratt secretary told auditors all donation letters during the last school year were approved by the principal, who has since retired. The new principal, Karen Hall, is aware of the requirement and will only approved donation letters that contain the proper language.
Since public schools are not allowed to assess any fees for consumable materials, workbooks, or activities for participation in any class, auditors recommended that donation letters contain language such as “If you are unable to pay, your child will not be prevented from attended next week’s outing” or “We want you to know that if for any reason you are unable to contribute, your child will not be discriminated against and still will participate in the class”.
The audit found that $1,017.20 in expenses were paid from the Bratt internal account when school district funds were available. The school is working to ensure that budgeted district funds are used when available instead of internal fund monies.
Tate High
At Tate High School, an audit of an account with a $291,389.03 at the end of the last fiscal year was found to balance with no discrepancies, but the audit found that proper procedures were not followed regarding the utilization of budgeted funds.
The audit found that $5,900.04 in expenses were paid from the Tate internal account when school district funds were available. The school is working to ensure that budgeted district funds are used when available instead of internal fund monies.
School’s Out For Christmas
December 17, 2010
Friday was the final day of school for students across the area before the Christmas holidays.
Santa Rosa County students will return to school on Monday, January 3, 2011.
In Escambia County, Alabama, teachers will return on January 3, 2011, for a professional development day, while students will return on Tuesday, January 4.
Woman Claims Winning Cantonment Lottery Ticket
December 17, 2010
A Florida Lottery ticket sold in Cantonment paid off for Pensacola woman.
Melissa Morton, 40, claimed $25,166 from the December 15 drawing at the Florida Lottery Pensacola District Office.
Morton’s ticket matched 5 of 6 winning numbers, which paid out $6,291.50. Morton chose to add XTRA for an additional $1, which multiplied her winnings by four, for a total of $25,166. She purchased her winning ticket at Tobacco Town, located at 4112 Highway 297a in Cantonment.
The winning FLORIDA LOTTO numbers for Wednesday night’s drawing were 3-4-21-25-35-40 and the XTRA multiplier was 4.
Pictured: Melissa Morton (center) was joined by Vernon Morton and Polly Carter in claiming her Florida Lottery prize. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos Gallery: Santa Claus Visits Century Library
December 17, 2010
The Century Branch Library held their annual Christmas event Thursday afternoon. Dozens of children had a chance to enjoy a story, presents for everyone and a visit with Santa Claus.
From dolls to video games, Santa heard all kinds of Christmas wishes — including a laptop and even a cow (as in the living, breathing, I want one for our pasture kind).
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured top: Not everyone was willing to share their Christmas list with Santa as he visited the Century Branch Library Thursday. Pictured below: Other children were more than willing to get in their Christmas morning wishes. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
