FHSAA Announces New Districts For Area Schools In All Sports
December 14, 2010
The Florida High School Athletic Association has new classifications and district assignments for the 2011-12 and 2012-2013 school years, including the new Rural Division and a Pensacola powerhouse football district.
Class 1A-Rural
The new 1A Rural division includes 36 schools for football — 47 for other sports — among rural schools with a student population of 44 to 600. The football district aligns just four schools — Northview, Jay, Freeport and Baker — in District 1-1A Rural.
Northview, Jay, Holmes County, Freeport, Chipley and Baker will be grouped in District 3-1A Rural for baseball, basketball and softball. In volleyball, Northview, Jay, Laurel Hills, Freeport, Central and Baker will comprise District 1-1A Rural.
6A Pensacola Area Schools
In Pensacola, there will be lots of football competition in District 1-6A with all of the local big school powerhouse teams — Tate, Escambia, Milton, Pace, Pensacola, Pine Forest and Washington.
In baseball, basketball, softball and volleyball, the Tate Aggies will be the only Pensacola area team in District 1-6A, joining Choctawhatchee, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach and Niceville. Escambia, Milton, Navarre, Pace, Pensacola, Pine Forest and Washington will be grouped in District 2-6A in the non-football sports.
Appeals
Schools will have the opportunity to appeal their classification and district assignments. The appeals must be filed with the Florida High School Athletic Association by January 7, 2011.
FOOTBALL
Class 1A Rural
District 1
Baker
Freeport
Jay
Northview (Bratt)
Class 6A
District 1
Escambia (Pensacola)
Milton
Pace
Pensacola
Pine Forest (Pensacola)
Tate (Cantonment)
Washington (Pensacola)
BASEBALL, BASKETBALL, SOFTBALL, VOLLEYBALL
Class 1A Rural
District 3
Baker
Chipley
Freeport
Holmes County (Bonifay)
Jay
Northview (Bratt)
Class 6A
District 1
Choctawhatchee (Fort Walton Beach)
Crestview
Fort Walton Beach
Niceville
Tate (Cantonment)
District 2
Escambia (Pensacola)
Milton
Navarre
Pace
Pensacola
Pine Forest (Pensacola)
Washington (Pensacola)
Dozen Fires So Far This Month In Escambia, Santa Rosa
December 14, 2010
With two fires on Monday, a total of a dozen residential fires have been reported during the month of December and fire safety campaigns in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. None of the fires have been in the northernmost portion of the two counties.
Escambia County — Eighth Red Bulb In “Keep the Wreath Green” Safety Campaign
A kitchen fire at 12:38 p.m. Monday in the 9300 block of Silcox Lane was the eighth red bulb in the Escambia County “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign.
The fire, declared out at 12:51 p.m., caused moderate damage to the kitchen and minor smoke damage in other parts of the home. The cause of the fire was determined to have been from a burner that had been accidentally turned on and subsequently overheated a pan of oil, causing it to catch fire. Firefighters from Beulah, Ensley, Osceola and Bellview responded to the scene.
Santa Rosa County — Fourth Candle Extinguished On Fire Safety Tree
A residential fire on Monday night in the 5600 block of Milligan Ford Road in Pace represents the fourth candle to be extinguished on the “Keep Your Holidays Bright” fire safety tree in Santa Rosa County. A resident of the home reported the fire at 8:40 p.m., and crews arrived on scene at 8:58 p.m. Pace, Avalon, Allentown, Cantonment and Ferry Pass fire departments responded to the fire that displaced a family of four. There were no injuries reported and the residents are staying with family and friends.
Pace Fire and Rescue Chief Donnie Wadkins estimated the fire damaged approximately 25 percent of the home. The fire is believed to have started in a hole or crack in fireplace chimney flue.
Health Care Law Struck Down; Fight Continues In Pensacola
December 14, 2010
Florida’s lawsuit in Escambia County against the new federal health care law isn’t any less important in light of a ruling Monday by a federal judge in Virginia invalidating a key component of the law, backers of the Florida challenge said.
In statement released shortly after Monday’s ruling, Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum said the state will proceed to make arguments Thursday in Pensacola asking U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson to go further than the Virginia ruling by invalidating the expansion of Medicaid to nearly 2 million anticipated additional recipients whose care would be partially paid by the state under the new law.
“The implementation of this law could add more than 1.9 million Floridians to the Medicaid program, a tremendous financial burden on our state at a time when our budget has no room for extra expenses, McCollum said. “As our lawsuit heads to oral argument this Thursday, I am hopeful we will obtain a favorable decision that will strike down the individual mandate and also halt the hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars required to be spent by states to implement the Affordable Care Act.”
Ultimately, the issue is likely to be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.
In the Virginia case, U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson struck down a provision of the health care insurance act that requires individuals to carry insurance whether they want to or not. The Minimum Essential Coverage Provision is critical to finance the other components of the plan.
“The unchecked expansion of congressional power to the limits suggested by the Minimum Essential Coverage Provision would invite unbridled exercise of federal police powers,” Hudson wrote. “At its core, this dispute is not simply about regulating the business of insurance – or crafting a scheme of universal health insurance coverage – it’s about an individual’s right to choose to participate.”
While Florida’s lawsuit also challenges congressional abiity to require coverage, the lawsuit additionally claims the sweeping reform of the $2.5 trillion U.S. health care system violates state government rights in the U.S. Constitution and will force massive new spending on already hard-pressed state legislatures.
The new health care law is a cornerstone of Obama’s domestic agenda and aims to expand health insurance for millions more Americans while curbing costs. White House officials have insisted it is constitutional and necessary to stem huge projected increases in health care expenses by providing coverage for those who don’t have it, whose care is paid for by everyone else.
The Florida case has been joined by 19 other states. Plaintiffs also include the National Federation of Independent Business.
Vinson has scheduled testimony for Thursday in Pensacola to determine whether to make a summary judgment in the case, which most observers say will ultimately be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. In September, Vinson refused to dismiss portions of the case as requested by Department of Justice attorneys.
By Michael Peltier
The News Service Florida
New Netbook Computers For Ernest Ward, Northview
December 14, 2010
Four dozen new netbook computers are being purchased for a couple of North Escambia schools.
The Escambia County School District is purchasing 22 Dell netbooks for Ernest Ward Middle School and 26 Dell netbooks for Northview High School. The netbooks are part of a $489,283.72 technology purchase of over 500 computers for schools across the district.
The netbooks for student use at Ernest Ward and Northview are Dell Latitudes with 1.83 Ghz processors, 2GB RAM, 160GB hard drives, Microsoft Office Pro 2007 and a three year warranty.
Man Punched In Face After Wreck Dies; Manslaughter Charges Filed
December 14, 2010
A Pensacola man has been charged with manslaughter after he punched another man in the face and the victim died from his injuries.
Pensacola Police said Telly Jabar Hill, 27, of Pensacola was charged Monday afternoon in connection with the incident that occurred around 6:30 p.m Saturday.
The victim has been identified as Terry Lindon Kelley, 34, of Pace.
Witnesses told police Hill was involved in a minor car crash at 601 W. Cervantes St. When Kelley exited his auto to view the damages, witnesses said that Hill, who was an occupant of the other car, punched Kelley one time in the face with his fist.
Kelley fell to the ground and received a massive head injury. He was taken to Baptist Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries Monday afternoon.
Hill, who immediately fled the scene, was found Monday afternoon only blocks from the scene of the crime. He is being held in the Escambia County Jail on without bond on the manslaughter charge, plus charges drug related and destroying evidence.
The crash remains under investigation.
Ernest Ward Drama Students Compete At Districts
December 14, 2010
Seven Ernest Ward Middle School students recently attended the District 1 Florida Junior Thespian Festival in Jacksonville, with three students advancing to the State Festival.
Megan Bryan, Morgan Packer and Katelyn Born will participate at the state level in Melbourne in February.
“Many of the schools we performed against are prep, fine arts schools or academies so it is an honor to have our students compete,” said Katie Ward, Ernest Ward drama instructor. “It was tough judging this year, but all the girls did their best and made Ernest Ward proud.”
Ernest Ward students participating in the District 1 Florida Junior Thespian Festival were:
- Katelyn Born, performing a monologue entitled “Wedding Woes”
- Danielle Suggs, performing a monologue entitled “A Curse Upon You Sister”
- Amber Freeman, performing a monologue entitled “Class Pictures”
- Kendral Langford, performing a monologue entitled “Don’t Believe a Word I Say”
- Liberty Peebles, performing a monologue entitled “I Hate My Middle Name”
- Megan Bryan and Morgan Packer, performing a duet entitled “The Sister”
Pictured top: Ernest Ward Middle School drama students in Jacksonville: (L-R) Katelyn Born, Amber Freeman, Kendral Langford, Danielle Suggs, Megan Bryan, Morgan Packer and Liberty Peebles. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jay Christmas Tournament: JHS, Northview, Central, PCA Results
December 14, 2010
Monday, Jay and Pensacola Christian picked up wins and a trip to the boys championship of the Jay Christmas Tournament, while Northview and Central are headed to the consolation game. In girls action in the Jay Christmas Tournament, Jay defeated Pensacola Christian, and Central defeated Northview to set up a Jay versus Central championship game.
Jay 54, Northview 47
Colton Sims paced the Northview Chiefs with 13, while LaDarion White added 12 Monday in Northview’s loss to the Jay Royals. Jay’s Todd Laney 19 had a game-high 19 points, and Chandler Burgess contributed 14 for the Royals.
Northview –Colton Sims 13, LaDarion White 12, Lance Bushaw 7, Devin Morrer 3, Derrick Portis 4, Austin Arrington 6, Roderick Woods 2
Jay — Todd Laney 19, Chandler Burgess 14, Tyler Prescott 9, Conner Weekes 8, Tate Upton 3, Keith Lisonbee 1.
Northview 12 11 12 12-47 — Jay 15 14 5 20-5
Pensacola Christian 38, Central 24
Central 2 7 8 7-24 — PCA 9 8 14 7-38
Central 28, Northview 24 (Girls)
Shaniqua Jones led the Lady Chiefs with a dozen points Monday, while Shaquanna Jones added half a dozen.
Northview 2 6 6 10-24 — Central 2 6 6 14-28
Jay 55, Pensacola Christian 20 (Girls)
Becca Calloway led the Lady Royals with 17, while Tessa Hendricks and Danielle Skaggs added 10 each as Jay breezed past Pensacola Christian 55-20 in the first round of girls action in the Jay Christmas Tournament.
Jay — Becca Calloway 17, Tessa Hendricks 10, Danielle Skaggs 10, Olivia Wright 2, Hilary Hendricks 8, Lauren Steadham 4, Emily Russell 4.
PCA 7 2 6 5-20 — Jay 14 12 19 10-55
Utility Work To Delay Traffic In Century Today
December 14, 2010
Planned utility work on North Century Boulevard (Highway 29) near Pond Street in Century will cause traffic delays today.
On Tuesday, crews from Gulf Power will perform utility work in the area if the weather permits. Northbound traffic can expect lane restrictions between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
“Drivers are reminded to use caution and to obey the posted speed limit when traveling through the work zone,” said Tanya Sanders Branton, public information specialist for the Florida Department of Transportation.
ECUA Offers Helpful Hints To Prevent Frozen Pipes
December 13, 2010
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority is offering helpful tips to prevent the expense of frozen pipes — especially external, exposed pipes that are naturally the most vulnerable to freezing.
Short Term:
Run a Trickle of Water: When forecasts call for sustained and / or severe freezing temperatures, run thin trickles of water from the faucet furthest from the water line coming to your house. Usually this is in a room at the back of the house or outside, in the yard. Allowing the water to circulate through your home’s plumbing helps to keep it from freezing. Some consider this a waste of water, but the cost of the water used is extremely slight compared to that of repairing broken pipes and the resulting water damage.
Long Term:
The Backflow Preventer: Residents and business owners who have backflow preventers on their properties for water lines, fire lines, irrigation systems, and swimming pools need to protect their backflow preventers from freeze as well. Extended freezes can burst the body of the backflow assembly, rendering it useless. Wrap these pipes with insulation materials, made especially for this purpose. These materials can be found in most hardware stores or home improvement centers. If the device and the water lines are not in use at this time (i.e., irrigation system or swimming pool lines), shut off the water supply line and drain the backflow device.
Insulate Pipes or Faucets in Unheated Areas: Pipes located in unheated areas of your house, such as a garage or crawl space under the house or in the attic, are subject to freezing. If you have time to do this before freezing temperatures arrive, wrap these pipes with insulation materials made especially for this purpose. These materials can be found in most hardware stores or home improvement centers.
Disconnect And Drain Outdoor Hoses: Detach all hoses from faucets and allow them to drain. This will prevent the water in the hose or pipe from freezing and bursting the faucet or pipe to which it is connected.
For more information visit the ECUA web site @ www.ecua.org, or call Customer Service at (850) 476-0480.
Nominate North Escambia Persons Of The Year
December 13, 2010
NorthEscambia.com will honor several North Escambia residents as North Escambia Persons of the Year as 2010 comes to a close, and we need your help.
We are asking our readers to nominate individuals that they believe made a difference in North Escambia during 2010. We will choose several of them to be named as a 2010 North Escambia. Person of the Year. The awards are our way of saying thanks to those that have worked to improve our lives in the North Escambia area during the past year.
We are not necessarily looking for a person with a long list of accomplishments. We are looking for people that have given of themselves to help others and the communities of North Escambia during 2010.
To nominate someone, please email their name, contact information (if known), and the reason why you believe they should be a Person of the Year. The person must either be a resident of North Escambia, work in North Escambia or otherwise have significantly impacted North Escambia in some way. For the purposes of this award, we define North Escambia as being Cantonment north to the Alabama line.
Entries should be emailed to news@northescambia.com by Monday, December 20. We need your email and phone number just in case we have questions, but your name and contact information will not be published.
The 2010 North Escambia Persons of the Year will be named after Christmas.
Last year, the following were named 2009 North Escambia Persons of the Year:
(These persons are not eligible for the 2010 Persons of the Year.)
- Jerry Fischer [Read more...]
- Sonja Luker [Read more...]
- Rev. Willie H. Carter [Read more...]
- Charles Williams [Read more...]
Pictured top: The 2009 Persons of the Year (L-R) Charles Williams, Jerry Fischer, Sonja Luker and Rev. Willie H. Carter. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.