Thieves Steal Copper From Church Air Conditioners
August 12, 2010
Copper thieves hit a church near Flomaton, ripping apart all the church’s air conditioners.
Three air conditioning units at Friendship Freewill Baptist Church on Friendship Road were dismantled, with the bandits cleaning out the copper coils. Church members said the theft occurred sometime between 5 p.m. Tuesday and 9:45 Wednesday morning. Two of the units were used to cool the church’s main sanctuary, while one was used to cool their fellowship hall.
The Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Office is investigating the theft. Anyone with information on the crime should contact the Sheriff’s Office at (251) 809-0741.
Crist Stumps For $700 Million In Federal School Funds
August 12, 2010
Gov. Charlie Crist’s pitch was simple: Florida is united this time, from school boards to unions, in its bid for up to $700 million in federal education stimulus funds.
The governor and a delegation of Florida educators hope that the everyone-on-board message puts them over the top in a stiff, 19-state competition for the windfall – part of the federal Race to the Top grant program. The Florida group made its pitch in a 90-minute meeting Wednesday with U.S. Department of Education officials in Washington.
Florida is vying for a share of $3.4 billion in remaining education-reform money, which would be used to improve the state’s chronically poor graduation rates, lift low-performing schools and develop performance-pay plans for teachers.
“I think the big difference is the level of support, and frankly that’s one of the first topics that we addressed,” the governor said. “Broad support by the Florida Education Association and the unions around the state is significantly higher than the first time around. That cooperation, that collaboration, bodes well.”
If Florida wins the grant, half will go to county school districts and half will stay in Tallahassee, at the Department of Education, to develop statewide initiatives.
Winners will be announced later this month or in early September.
The Race to the Top program is part of President Obama’s $800-billion-plus stimulus plan passed in 2009. The money is doled out to states that show plans to use data-driven approaches to improve teacher quality and turn around failing schools.
In the first round of federal awards, announced in March, only Delaware and Tennessee won grants. Florida was a finalist – and widely considered a frontrunner – but finished fourth, out of the money.
Only five of Florida’s 67 local teacher unions supported that first bid. Fifty-eight of those locals now back the second, said Florida Education Association President Andy Ford, who was on hand at Wednesday’s meeting to support Florida’s application.
Florida’s Race to the Top application includes a merit pay plan for teachers – a lightning rod in state politics. But the proposal wouldn’t judge teachers solely on student test scores. It allows districts to weigh other factors such as socioeconomic conditions and family problems that can hinder learning gains.
The Republican-run state Legislature caused a stir in the spring legislative session by passing SB6, a bill to base teacher pay and job security mostly on student test scores, but Crist vetoed it.
“Every time (merit pay) comes up it’s controversial, but we’re getting closer,” said Ford. “If we can come up with a system that people believe in, the fear goes away.”
Crist said the lack of union support was the main factor in torpedoing Florida’s first bid for funds. “When you come in fourth out of 50, that’s pretty darn close. Just a little bit more effort should be enough to let Florida prevail.”
The delegation presenting Florida’s case included Crist, Ford, Miami-Dade schools superintendent Alberto Carvalho and Education Commissioner Eric Smith. The president of the Miami Dade teachers union, Karen Aronowitz, also traveled to Washington for the meeting.
The presence of Ford and other union leaders at Wednesday’s meeting, the governor said, “makes a real statement.”
Florida was one of six states to go before U.S. Department of Education officials Wednesday, along with Arizona, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Illinois. Each state made their presentations in private, closed-to-the-press meetings in hotel conference rooms. Only two governors made personal appeals, Crist and Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley.
The other 13 finalists made their pitches Tuesday.
By Josh Hafenbrack
The News Service Florida
Molino Park, Other Local Schools Use Facebook In Race For $500,000
August 11, 2010
North Escambia schools are using the power of Facebook for an competitive edge in a race for a half million in free money.
Kohl’s Department Stores will give $500,000 to each of 20 schools this year, for a total of $10 million, in recognition of the company’s 10th anniversary of its Kohl’s Cares philanthropic program that supports children’s health and education. During the contest, Kohl’s Facebook fans, currently more than one million strong, can vote for public or private schools that serve K-12 students by visiting www.facebook.com/kohls.
“Our school could use the money in so many ways to support our children,” said Pamala Maraman-Barnes about Molino Park Elementary School.
“If Molino Park wins, we would like to put in a walking/running track and buy a web based Accelerated Reading program for the students,” said Rebecca Hatch, a fifth grade teacher at Molino Park. “What a great way to help them learn and encourage reading.”
” I would love to see a track out there,” said Brandie Ratcliff. She said Molino Park currently has a jogging club that meets after school once a week to encourage physical fitness.
While every school in the North Escambia area is eligible to participate, parents and supporters of Molino Park Elementary School have organized a Facebook drive to garner votes for the school. As of late Tuesday night, Molino Park had received over 1,115 votes — far more than any other local school.
“Our theater definitely needs to be bigger. It isn’t even big enough to hold the student body,” said Megan Carroll, a Northview teacher, in her Kohl’s Care idea posting. “There are so many things that Northview could use this money for.” Carroll also suggested that a year-round computer lab would serve the students well. Northview’s ideas had 125 votes as of Tuesday night.
Here’s a look at the other North Escambia schools, listing their half million dollar idea and the number of votes received by Tuesday night:
- Bratt Elementary – 25 votes, no ideas listed
- Byrneville Elementary — 15 votes. Ideas include expanding the library and computer lab improvements.
- Ernest Ward Middle School — 123 votes, no ideas listed.
- Flomaton High School — 0 votes, no ideas listed.
- Jay High School — 26 votes, no ideas listed.
- Jay Elementary — 15 votes, no ideas listed.
- Tate High School — 232 votes. Ideas include new library computers, upgrade ROC equipment, support for academic groups and clubs
- Jim Allen Elementary — 144 votes. Ideas include library improvements and more books.
- Ransom Middle School — 189 votes. Ideas include funding for the school’s chorus and band.
“At Kohl’s we are excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our Kohl’s Cares philanthropic program by giving back to the communities that we serve. As kids and parents think about the new school year, we want everyone to dream big about how half a million dollars could impact their favorite school,” said Julie Gardner, Kohl’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “We believe that when communities thrive so does business. We feel so strongly about this program and the positive affect it could have that we have made it the cornerstone of the company’s Back-to-School campaign.”
Kohl’s Facebook fans can submit their ideas for what the school could do with half a million dollars. A winning school must have a least one submission about how the funds might be used. Fans can also vote up to 20 times for their favorite elementary, middle or high schools during this time, with a maximum of five votes for any individual school. The top 20 vote-getting schools, that meet contest criteria as outlined in the official rules and have school officials provide information on how the school will use the money to support educational programs or initiatives, will win $500,000 each. Winning schools will be announced in late September.
To vote for your favorite school(s), visit www.facebook.com/kohls.
Pictured top: Molino Park Elementary School Principal Alice Woodward presents an award to Ashliegh Ratcliff last year. Pictured inset: Molino Park parent and volunteer Brandie Ratcliff with Camren McLemore. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Under Fire: New Law Requires Septic Tank Inspections
August 11, 2010
A new Florida law that requires septic tank inspections is coming under fire as being too expensive in a tight economy.
Florida Senator Al Lawson, D-Tallahassee and a candidate for Congress, sent a letter to Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, asking that legislation to repeal the requirement be brought up if lawmakers return later this year to address economic issues.
Most homes in North Escambia, except those in Century, have septic tanks. Lawson claims the new septic tank inspections could set homeowners back as much as $500 every five years.
“Tallahassee simply cannot impose such a high financial burden on homeowners at this time,” he said. “To do so would likely push a great many of them over the edge.”
There are 2.6 million known septic tanks in the state and the Department of Health said at least 15 percent aren’t adequately keeping sewage out of groundwater. Constantine said only 17,000 were inspected last year. The new requirement would be phased in starting next year, but many people wouldn’t be required to have an inspection for a few years.
Lawson said he is worried that most people on septic systems live in rural areas, and many of them tend to be poor.
“We hear the Republicans talking a lot about government ‘living within its means,’” Lawson said. “They need to stop forcing Florida homeowners to live beyond theirs.”
The sponsor of the springs legislation, Sen. Lee Constantine, said inspections, which will be phased in, will cost less because of the requirement – which will cause inspection companies to jump in number, with the resulting competition driving prices down. A number of them will likely be aggressive in offering deals to get the business, he said.
“We will be protecting Florida waters, that is something people are forgetting about – so we continue to have economic development and growth,” said Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs.
By David Royse
The News Service Florida
Teen Pleads Not Guilty To Dumping Gun That Shot Deputy’s Tire
August 11, 2010
A 16-year old charged as an adult has entered a not guilty plea in an incident where he allegedly dumped a firearm into the middle of a North Escambia street, eventually leading to a shot being fired into a deputy’s tire.
Ladarrious Tamiraye Lett of Ivey Street, Century, is facing charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted delinquent under 24 years of age, tampering with evidence and culpable negligence.
He entered a not guilty plea before Judge Joel Boles and is now scheduled for trial in October. He remains in the Escambia County Jail on $21,000 bond.
Lett was originally charged as a juvenile in connection with the July 14 incident, but his case was transferred to Escambia County Circuit Court.
The incident began at 3:23 a.m. on July 14 when Deputy Scott Rivkin conducted a traffic stop on a black Eagle Talon with no headlights near North Century Boulevard and Henry Streets. The driver of the vehicle was given a warning for failing to use his headlights. Lett was reportedly the passenger in the vehicle. Both left the area.
About five minutes later, Rivkin was traveling on North Century Boulevard in the same area as the traffic stop when when he heard what he believed to be a gunshot. Upon investigation, he discovered a .22 caliber pistol in the middle of North Century Boulevard. When the right rear wheel of the deputy’s cruiser rolled over the weapon, it had fired a round, flattening the tire. Next to the revolver, the deputy discovered one empty shell casing and five live rounds of ammunition.
While Deputy Rivkin was still parked on North Century Boulevard, he noticed the driver from the previous traffic stop and Lett approaching him on foot. The two were separated and questioned as the Flomaton Police Department responded for backup.
The driver told authorities that Lett had dropped the gun out of the vehicle’s window just prior to the traffic stop and that the pair had returned to the area to retrieve the gun. The 16-year old told deputies that he had purchased the gun from an individual, and he provided a bill of sale. Lett admitted to dropping the gun out of the vehicle window, according to his arrest report.
Back To School Orientations Next Thursday, Friday
August 11, 2010
New and incoming student orientations will be held next Thursday and Friday at North Escambia schools.
Orientations will be held as follows:
- Bratt Elementary: Thursday, August 19 from 9-10 a.m. for Pre-K; Friday, August 20 from 8-10 a.m. for K-5
- Jim Allen Elementary: Friday, August 20, 9-10:30 a.m. for all grades
- Molino Park Elementary: Thursday, August 19 from 9:30-10:30 Pre-K; Friday, August 20, 9-9:30 a.m. for K-2 and Friday, August 20, 9:30-10 a.m. for 3-5
- Ernest Ward Middle School: August 19, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. for new and incoming students
- Ransom Middle School: August 19, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. for new and incoming students
- Northview High School: Orientation for ninth grade and new students will be Thursday, August 19 at 8:30 a.m.
- Tate High School: Orientation for ninth grade and new students will be Thursday, August 19 at 8:30 a.m.
Fire Destroys Flomaton Mobile Home
August 11, 2010
Fire destroyed a mobile home near Flomaton Tuesday evening.
The fire was reported about 7:15 p.m. on Hollywood Drive near Old Fannie Road. According to Flomaton Fire Chief Steve Stanton, the home was fully involved and the blaze was threatening another structure when he arrived on scene. It took fire units about 20 minutes to get the fire under control as they concentrated on saving the other structure. There were no injuries reported.
The Flomaton, Friendship, Lambeth and Jay fire departments responded, along with the Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Christine Stanton, click to enlarge.
Century Caregiver Meeting Thursday
August 11, 2010
Council on Aging of West Florida will host a Century Caregiver Support Group Meeting at 6:00 Thursday tonight.
There is no cost and the public is invited. Reservations are not required. The meeting will be held at Century Care Center at 6020 Industrial Blvd. The group meets on the third Thursday of each month at the same time and location. County residency is not required to attend.
The support group is part of Council on Aging of West Florida programs designed to reduce stress, increase coping skills, provide strategies for effective management of care giving tasks and enable caregivers to provide high quality care in the home. The programs are sponsored by Council on Aging of West Florida, the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging. For more information, call 432-1475.
Council on Aging of West Florida is a local, independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that has served seniors and their families since 1972. Council on Aging of West Florida helps seniors in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties live healthy, safe and independent lives in their own familiar surroundings by providing community based, in-home programs and services such as Meals on Wheels and Alzheimer’s respite care.
Local College Students’ Personal Info Ends Up On Google
August 11, 2010
Personal information — including addresses and social security numbers — of students at Pensacola State College and five other schools was exposed on Google due to an error by a library services company.
According to the College Center for Library Automation, the personal information was returned in certain Google searches during a five day period that followed a software update. The company said problem exposed the information of 126,000 students and faculty at Pensacola State College (the former Pensacola Junior College), Northwest Florida State College, Broward College, Florida State College at Jacksonville, South Florida Community College, and Tallahassee Community College.
CCLA is notifying the potentially affected individuals in writing, recommending that they place a fraud alert on their credit files to minimize the risk of identity theft, and providing instructions on placing the alert.
CCLA first learned of the error on June 23, 2010, notified leaders of the colleges affected, initiated a security investigation, and began working with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Financial Crimes Unit. Investigators discovered that some personal information had been accessed by unauthorized persons and that some was available through Google until the search engine was notified.
For more information, click here to visit CCLA’s website.
News Video: Body Found In McDavid
August 10, 2010
Raw news video from the scene in McDavid where a body was discovered by Highway 29 on August 10.