Gates, Levins To Wed
July 25, 2010
Jordan Alexandria Gates and Brady Ryan Levins announce their engagement and forthcoming marriage.
The bride-elect is the daughter of Chad and Alison Fournier of Atmore. She is the granddaughter of Billy and Linda Gates of Atmore.
The prospective groom is the son of Dale and Marie Levins of Byrneville, Fla. He is the grandson of Vera Presley of Byrneville and the late Wilson H. Levins and Robert A. Cawthon of Byrneville and Cecilia Morris of Jay, Fla.
Miss Gates is a 2008 graduate of Escambia County High School in Atmore, Ala. She also received an associates degree in science in 2010 at Faulkner State Community College in Bay Minette. She is currently employed by Portrait Innovations in Pensacola as a photographer.
The prospective groom is a 2006 graduate of Northview High School in Bratt. He also completed the law enforcement course at George Stone Criminal Justice Training Center in Pensacola in 2009. He is currently employed by TBH Construction, Inc. in Flomaton.
The couple will exchange vows Saturday, July 31, 2010, at 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, Atmore.
Following the ceremony, a reception will be held at the Wisteria in Atmore. All friends and family are invited to attend.
Submitted photo, click to enlarge.
Featured Recipe: ‘Famous’ Special Cheese Lasagna
July 25, 2010
This weekend’s featured recipe from Janet Tharpe is a Lasagna Made “Famous” By Special Cheese Sauce. It’s bursting with a wonder combination of sweet and tangy flavors instead of the normal ricotta cheese filling.
To print today’s “Just a Pinch” recipe column, you can click the image below to load a printable pdf with a recipe card.
Northwest Escambia 11-12 Softball Ends Season At State Tournament
July 24, 2010
The Northwest Escambia 11-12 year old softball team ended their season Friday in Fort Myers as the Florida Little League Section 1 Champions.
In state tournament action Friday afternoon, NWE fell 11-1 to St. Cloud in a three hour game in rain from Tropical Storm Bonnie. In their final game Friday night, South Tampa got past Northwest Escambia 1-0.
Members of the NWE 11-12 year old All-Stars are: Savanna Roux, Peighton Dortch, Courtney Peebles, Kyndall Hall, Penny Banda, Addy Lee, Kendal Cobb, Mallory Ryan, Kristin Byrd and Natalie Goetter. The team is managed by Jerry Mason, and coached by Ronald Peebles and Eddie Ryan.
Pictured top: The Northwest Escambia All-Stars 11-12 softball team finished their year as Section 1 Champions. Pictured below: The NWE girls pose while waiting for a break in the rain from Tropical Storm Bonnie in Fort Myers. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Perritt To Continue House Campaign After Wife Arrested On Drug Charges
July 24, 2010
Days after the arrest of his wife on drug trafficking charges, Florida House District 1 candidate Ricky Perritt has announced that he will stay in the race.
(Update: Ricky Perritt was arrest on drug trafficking charges on July 26. Click here for the story.)
“I am running to give the common citizens a voice in Tallahassee,” Perritt said. “We must remember that leadership is earned, not inherited.”
Perritt’s wife, Jennifer Rene Perritt, 38, of Wallace Lake Road, Pace, is charged with drug trafficking, prescription forgery and fraud. She was booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail where she was later released on $31,000 bond.
A statement issued by Perritt’s campaign said Jennifer Perritt has suffered from a degenerative spinal condition for the past seven years, and that she became addicted to her prescribed pain medications.
“…Mrs. Perritt voluntarily reported to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff to answer questions regarding allegations that she mishandled prescriptions,” the press released stated. “Mr. Perritt is concerned for the health of his wife and he is consulting with the appropriate professionals to evaluate the situation. During this time Mr. Perritt asks you to pray for his family and asks that you respect his wife’s privacy.”
Bond for Jennifer Perritt was originally set at $620,000, but later reduced to $31,000.
Florida House District 1 includes the northern two-thirds of Escambia County, most of Santa Rosa County and a portion of Okaloosa County. The seat is being vacated by Greg Evers who is running for Florida Senate District 2.
Escambia Firefighter’s Wife Injured In Townhouse Fire
July 24, 2010
An Escambia County firefighter’s wife was injured as the family’s townhouse burned.
Escambia County Fire responded to 630 Fairfield Drive just before 8:00 Monday morning. Units arrived in four minutes, but the end townhouse unit was a total loss and anadjacent unit sustained smoke damage. It is believed that the fire started on the second floor of the townhouse. The state fire marshal was called to investigate and determine the cause of the fire. The American Red Cross was called to assist the family with a temporary place to stay.
Myrtle Grove Volunteer Firefighter Cliff Long lived at the residence, according to Escambia County Public Information Manager Sonya Daniel. Long was at work but his wife and two children were at home when the fire broke out. The children and family pets were not injured. Long’s wife was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation and was later transferred to University of South Alabama Regional Burn Center. The children are staying with family members and the Westside Animal Hospital is caring for the pets until they can be reunited with the Long family.
Escambia County Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene along with units from Myrtle Grove, West Pensacola, Warrington, Navy Fire, Pleasant Grove, Osceola, Bellview and Ensley.
Escambia Master Gardeners Tips For July
July 24, 2010
The Escambia County Master Gardeners offer the following tips for July:
YARD
- Plant: Seeds of late cosmos, gaillardia, portulaca, zinnia, marigolds, bulbs, and native iris.
VEGETABLES
- Plant: Seeds of okra, Southern peas, cherry-type tomatoes. Blooms drop if temperature stays high at night, so water regularly and apply at least 3″ of mulch.
- Start: Broccoli, cauliflower, collards and cabbage for fall transplants. Late in the month plant tomato plants rooted from spring suckers or purchased at a garden center. Remember to get the ones marked VFFNT.
MISCELLANEOUS
- Check mulch in flower beds and under trees and shrubs. Reapply to bring it up to three inches to discourage weeds and conserve moisture. Pull mulch back from plant trunks to prevent rot.
- Remove spent vegetable and flower plants. Destroy those infected with disease or insects, and place remainder in compost heap.
- Fertilize annuals early this month if you didn’t do it in June.
- Apply mole cricket bait on moist soil in the afternoon when it is not likely to rain. However, it is essential to read and understand the insecticide label carefully for application directions.
- Keep azaleas and camellias well watered because they are setting next season’s flower buds. Remember that they are shallow rooted. Feed with an azalea fertilizer according to directions, or apply about 1/8 cup of 10-10-10 per foot of plant height after a good rain and water it in.
- Continue to monitor rose bushes each week for signs of insects or disease. Feed regularly with rose fertilizer or use 1/4 cup of 10-10-10 per plant.
- Prune roses late this month or until the middle of August to encourage a good crop of fall flowers. Remove four to six inches of each main stem.
- Lawn pests can be a problem this time of year. Before treating, find out if an insect is the culprit and treat only the affected area.
- Blossom-end rot on tomatoes or similar rot on peppers is frequently caused by a calcium deficiency and fluctuations in soil moisture. Discard rotting fruit. Keep plants evenly moist. Next season have soil tested and amend according to recommendations.
- Watch for yellowing leaves on plants. It may be a sign of chlorosis (iron deficiency), a common condition of sandy soil. Apply liquid iron or minor elements according to label directions.
- Crape myrtles susceptible to powdery mildew should be placed in locations that allow air movement to help avoid potential problems with this unsightly disease.
- Cut back poinsettias, wisteria (cut to two or three buds), chrysanthemums, dahlias and other fall blooming plants to encourage formation of more flowers.
- Pinch off salvia and marigold blooms as soon as they fade. Cut back zinnias, portulacas and verbena by several inches. Feed with 1/4 pound of 10-10-10 per square foot of planted area.
- If you still have blooming cannas, remove flower stalks to right above the uppermost leaf as soon as the blossoms fade. A new flower stalk will sprout.
- Take geranium cuttings for winter color. Start new plants from cuttings or by layering side shoots of oleander, gardenia, abelia, pittosporum, and verbena.
- Time to order cool weather vegetable and flower seeds! Calendula, larkspur, pansies, snapdragons, alyssum, candytuft, dianthus, Shasta daisy, California poppy, gaillardia, baby’s breath, nasturtium, petunias, phlox, verbena, lettuce, radishes, turnips, broccoli, beans, carrots, squash, cucumbers, cauliflower, collards (or milder tasting rape), Swiss chard, and Brussels sprouts. Store seeds in the refrigerator in airtight containers until you are ready to plant.
Crist Extends Benefits For Florida’s Long-Term Unemployed
July 24, 2010
Not content to wait for lawmakers to act later this year, Gov. Charlie Crist issued an executive order on Friday that will make nearly a quarter million Floridians who have been out of work for a long time eligible for additional benefits.
Congress passed and President Obama signed legislation this week that extends federal jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed for another six months.
Florida’s extended benefit program, which pays up to 20 weeks of additional jobless benefits to people who have used up their regular benefits, which typically last up to 79 weeks. But that program expired in June in Florida when lawmakers declined to extend it during the regular session, leaving the state unable to take advantage of the new federal dollars being made available to the long-term unemployed.
Florida had an unemployment rate of 11.4 percent last month. In addition to about 250,000 people who will now be eligible for extended benefits between now and December because of Crist’s executive order, about 900,000 other unemployed Floridians already were set to get additional help because of the new law approved in Washington this week.
The cost of the supplemental benefits is paid by the federal government.
Democrats in Florida had urged Crist to either call the Legislature into another special session – lawmakers were in session one day this week but didn’t address the issue – or to issue an executive order to change the law to make the extra benefits available.
“Unemployed Floridians are struggling in this challenging economic climate, trying to figure out how to pay their bills and support their families,” said Crist, an independent. “We simply cannot desert the 250,000 Floridians who qualify for the extended federal assistance signed into law yesterday.”
Crist had been unsure earlier in the week whether he could unilaterally make the change or whether the Legislature’s approval was needed. House Speaker Larry Cretul, R-Ocala, said Thursday that lawmakers would probably try to address the issue when they return for a special session next month or in September.
But Crist, who is running for U.S. Senate, said Friday he had determined he had a “constitutional duty” to authorize the use of available federal funds.
Advocates for the unemployed said they were pleased the governor acted, rather than waiting for lawmakers to return. People who have been out of work for months, and without unemployment benefits since June, will not only benefit, said Karen Woodall, an advocate for the unempoyed. “It’s businesses too – because that money gets spent and put into the economy,” Woodall said.
Crist’s executive order made the benefits retroactive to June 5 when the state law expired. They’ll continue through Dec. 4.
Agency for Workforce Innovation Secretary Cynthia Lorenzo said the state still needs guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor on some issues related to the newly approved benefits, but that the state should begin issuing checks within a couple weeks. The agency is mailing notices of the new eligibility dates to beneficiaries, Lorenzo said.
Escambia Considering Red Light Cameras, Could Net $3 Million Per Year
July 23, 2010
Escambia County is considering the installation of red light cameras in anticipation of adding up to $3 million per year to the county’s coffers.
“Escambia County is interested in pursuing installation of red light cameras at locations exhibiting substantial incidences of red light violations to improve enforcement capabilities,” Interim County Administrator Larry Newsom said in his written recommendation to the county commission.
The Florida Legislature approved the use of red light cameras earlier this year, with the law taking effect on July 1. According to Newsom, Sheriff David Morgan is interested in pursuing installation at problem intersections, and the idea is supported by the county’s traffic operations staff.
The automated cameras snap a photo of the car and license plate of alleged red light runners, and the driver receives a $158 citation in the mail — along with a photo of the violation. Of the $158 fine, Escambia County would retain $75. With 20 camera locations, Escambia County would earn as estimated $2-3 million per year.
The Sheriff’s Department would be responsible for providing trained traffic enforcement officer to review the photos and other evidence prior to a citation being issued. A portion of the county’s revenue would be transferred to the sheriff for increased personnel costs.
The county will hold a public hearing on August 19 at 5:30 prior to a commission meeting on a proposed red light camera ordinance.
New Over-The-Air TV Station Available
July 23, 2010
There’s a new viewing choice in the local television market. WFGX MyTV 35 is now broadcasting from WEAR TV 3’s tower in Baldwin County, providing a strong over-the-air signal in the North Escambia area.
WFGX offers MyNetworkTV programming from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. with such popular programs as “WWE: Smackdown”, “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?”, “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and “The Unit”.
The station also airs movies from ThisTV throughout the day and with the programs “Jerry Springer”, “Maury Povich”, “Inside Edition” and “Extra” on weekdays. During the weekend, WFGX airs “Desperate Housewives”, “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Bones”.
The station is available over-the-air as channel 35.1 (physically on channel 50) in standard definition.
“Sometime in early August we will be changing to a High-Definition signal only,” said Joe Smith, WEAR/WFGX operations manager. In the near future, the station will add “TheCoolTV”, a music station, on a second digital channel.
In order to view WFGX, viewers using an antenna to receive over-the-air TV should use the “re-scan” feature on their digital TV or DTV converter box. WFGX is also carried on Cox Cable in Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach, and Mediacom in Gulf Breeze and Milton. WFGX is not currently carried on other area cable systems or satellite services.
“Viewers with cable or satellite should contact those companies asking them to provide WFGX MyTV 35,” Smith said.
WFGX has been on the air since 1987, but was previously available to viewers in the Fort Walton Beach area. With the move to WEAR’s tower near Robertsdale, the station is now available in the entire Mobile-Pensacola television market.
Are You Ready To Vote?
July 23, 2010
Are you election-ready?
From party primaries for Florida’s next U.S. senator, governor and cabinet, state legislative delegation, county commission, and ECUA, to non-partisan races for school board, circuit judge, and Pensacola’s first “strong mayor,” a wide array of important contests are up for grabs in the August 24th primary election. With the election rapidly approaching, it is important that you prepare to exercise one of your most fundamental rights as an American.
If you are not registered to vote, you must do so by Monday, July 26th. If you are unsure of your registration status, you can visit EscambiaVotes.com and click ‘Am I Registered?’ to find out. We need to know if you recently moved, changed your name, or wish to change political parties. Florida is a closed primary state, which means that in order to vote in a party’s primary, you must be a registered member of that party no later than July 26th.
At EscambiaVotes.com, you can also view your sample ballot, locate your polling place (several have changed since 2008), learn how to cast your vote, request an absentee ballot, and follow the progress of that ballot by clicking ‘Track My Ballot’. You can confirm that we have your request, check the date your ballot was mailed, and verify when it is received back in our office. It is a valuable new tool, especially for our men and women in uniform deployed across the globe.
There are three different ways to cast your ballot:
* Vote by mail, by requesting an absentee ballot and returning it to our office before the polls close
* Vote early at any one of four locations in Escambia County, beginning August 9th
* Vote at your precinct between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Election Day
In the 2008 general election, early votes and absentee ballots together totaled more than half of all ballots cast. In other words, more votes in Escambia County were cast before the polls opened than on Election Day.
If you vote in person during early voting or on Election Day, you will receive a paper ballot to complete and insert into a digital scanner. For voters with disabilities, a touchscreen with an audio ballot feature is also available at each polling place. Be sure to bring your photo and signature ID with you to the polls.
So, check your registration status, request an absentee ballot if you wish, familiarize yourself with the candidates, locate your polling place or nearest early voting site, and be on the lookout for your sample ballot in the mail within the next few weeks. If you have any questions or need more information, call 595-3900 or visit EscambiaVotes.com. We’ll see you at the polls!
David H. Stafford
Escambia County Supervisor of Elections