Tate Multimedia Students Win WEAR Video Contest
April 18, 2010
Students at J.M. Tate High School’s Multimedia Academy participated in the annual WEAR Lewis Bear “Don’t Drink and Drive” video contest. The “Live Responsibly” video (DDD2) produced by Denise Rivers, Breanna Harrison, and Amy Sapp placed first in the competition. The “My Opinion” video produced by Emma Grace Farthing placed third in the competition.
The winning video will air on Channel 3 during prom season and the school will receive $1,000 from Lewis Bear. In addition to placing in the video competition, senior Emma Grace Farthing has been named Escambia County’s Career Academy Student of the Year by the “Northwest Florida Next Generation Learning Community” for her outstanding work as managing editor of the Tate Multimedia Academy. She will be honored at a banquet at the Pensacola Civic Center on April 19th.
Several other Tate Multimedia Academy students will be recognized on April 20th at a Breakfast hosted by the “Escambia County Public Schools Foundation”. Kevin Sapp, Victoria Veith, Breanna Harrison, and Denise Rivers recently produced a video for the foundation. Also, Caleb Schossow, Ethan Barker, John Smoot, Victoria Veith, and Breanna Harrison received “Honorable Mention” for videos submitted to the Florida Scholastic Press Association’s annual contest.
Photos: 30 Rescued From Dangerous Surf At Beach
April 18, 2010
As a yellow flag flew over Pensacola Beach Saturday, lifeguards rescued over 30 swimmers. Rough surf conditions are expected to continue on Sunday. These photos of a rip current rescue near the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier were captured by Alisa Hart of Flomaton for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Highway 29 Construction Project Coming To A Close
April 18, 2010
Work continued Saturday to complete a $480,159 drainage project on Highway 29 in Century.
Improvements consisted of installing box culverts, replacing existing sidewalks in the area, and resurfacing a stretch of the highway. Motorists have experienced intermittent lane shifts and restrictions since the start of the project in September, 2009.
Contractor Coastal Materials may complete work the on the project, located on Highway 29 between Jackson and Cottage streets, as early as this week.
Pictured: Work continued Saturday on a Highway 29 drainage project in Century. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Nowlin Retires After 32 Years At Escambia Grain
April 18, 2010
After 32 years, Escambia Grain Corporation Manager Ed Nowlin is retiring. He was honored at a retirement reception Saturday night in Walnut Hill for his service to the community.
Nowlin was the recipient of the 2009 Community Service Award from the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department. From the fire department, to the Ernest Ward and Northview ag and FFA programs, to Northwest Escambia Little League ball teams, to many other community organizations, Nowlin was honored for his selfless service to the community.
“He’s the kind of person who would go out of his way to help someone and expect nothing in return,” his biography, as presented Saturday night, stated. “Without his help and influence on the Walnut Hill community, it would most definitely be a different community. His unselfish nature and love for his fellowman has contributed to make this community a better place.”
Pictured top: Walnut Hill farmer Wendell Eicher (left) congratulates Ed Nowlin (center) on his retirement as Nowlin’s wife Marsha looks on. Pictured bottom: Nowlin and his family at his retirement party Saturday night in Walnut Hill. Submitted photos by Bill Eubanks for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge. Pictured inset: Nowlin (left) is presented the 2009 Community Service Award from the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department by Chief Chris Brown. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Early Morning Brickyard Road Accident Knocks Out Power
April 18, 2010
An early morning accident on Brickyard Road left a small number of Molino area residents in the dark after a driver knocked down a power pole.
The Florida Highway Patrol says Sheldon Flowers was northbound on Brickyard Road in a 2004 Dodge Ram when lost control and hit a power pole, sending it to the ground. The 12:05 a.m. accident Sunday knocked out electricity to an unknown number of Gulf Power customers in the area. The accident caused and estimated $11,000 in damage to the truck, pole and power lines.
Flower was charged with careless driving, and alcohol was not believed to be a factor in the crash, according to the FHP. He was not injured in the accident.
Pictured above and below: This accident on Brickyard Road took down a power pole and knocked out power to small number of Gulf Power customers. Pictured inset: Gulf Power works to restore electricity. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
State Attorney Completes Consolidation Study Commission Probe
April 17, 2010
A review of the Escambia County Consolidation Study Commission will not lead to criminal charges, according to the State Attorney’s Office.
The State Attorney’s office reviewed a complaint alleging that certain members of the Escambia ounty Consolidation Study Commission violated the Florida Sunshine Law by discussing commission business by email. In addition, the SAO reviewed an allegation that two commission members violated the Sunshine Law by meeting with the editorial board of the Pensacola News Journal.
“While we are troubled by the use of emails in this matter, we have determined that no crime was committed,” according to a report issued by Assistant State Attorney Gregory Marcille.
The consolidation student commission was created by the Florida Legislature to study and potentially develop a governmental consolidation plan for Century, Escambia County and Pensacola. According to the legislative act, the actions of the committee were subject to Florida’s broad Sunshine Law.
During the study process, a number of emails were exchanged between members of a draft subcommittee — Ken Bell (pictured), Janet Landers and Ed Fleming. They were charged with developing a draft document that was to be presented to the entire committee.
During the drafting process, a number of emails were exchanged between the committee members. Those emails, according to Marcille, were primarily one-way exchanges that did not involve any substantial discussion.
“Those emails that do involve an exchange of information are minimal and do not involve any discussion where an ultimate decision is made,” Marcille’s report stated. In addition, the committee met in public on at least eight occasions where the issues mentioned in the emails were discussed. “These actions would cure any possible violation,” the SAO’s report stated.
The State Attorney’s Office also investigated a January 12, 2010, meeting between the Pensacola News Journal Editorial Board. The primary purpose of that meeting was to introduce a consultant to the board. Consolidation committee members Ken Bell and Rick Harper attended that meeting.
“There was no discussion between Harper or Bell and Wilkes simply explained and answered questions posed by the News Journal about how the charter would work. As there was no discussion of any issue that was likely to come before the Consolidation Commission, no violation occurred,” according to the State Attorney’s Office report.
“While we find that no violation occurred in this matter, we continue to be concerned by the use of emails by members of organizations that are subject to the Florida Sunshine Law. While the emails between the members of the Draft Committee did not contain an exehange of information as contemplated by the Sunshine Law, they do raise concerns in the mind of the general public,” the State Attorney’s Office report concluded.
Pictured above: Escambia Consolidation Study Commission Chairman Ken Bell. Pictured below: The only Escambia Consolidation Study Commission meeting held north of Ten Mile Road was held in Century last October. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Stolen Truck and Trailer Found, Backhoe Still Missing
April 17, 2010
The 18-wheeler stolen from a Flomaton business last month has been recovered, but a backhoe worth thousands is still missing.
The burglary occurred between 5 p.m. March 4 and 5:45 a.m. March 5 at CharCo, Inc. on Highway 31 in Flomaton, according to Flomaton Police Chief Terri Tolbert. The business reported about $250,000 worth of equipment missing, including a 2003 Peterbuilt truck pulling a 1996 blue Fontaine lowboy trailer with a yellow John Deere wheel loader backhoe. According to police, someone had cut a chain and lock to enter a fenced area where the equipment was located.
The big rig was located recently in Sheffield, Alabama, by Alabama State Troopers and returned to Charco.
Anyone with information on the crime or the still-missing backhoe is asked to contact the Flomaton Police Department at (251) 296-5811 or their local law enforcement agency.
Pictured: These photos, provided by the Flomaton Police Department, are representative of the equipment stolen from a Flomaton business. Submitted for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Get Free Admission To National Parks, Include Gulf Islands National Seashore
April 17, 2010
In celebration of National Parks Week, Gulf Islands National Seashore will join with other National Park Service sites around the country and offer fee-free entry into the park beginning this weekend.
The fee-free week, including the weekends before and after, was announced by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar who said last month, “We are rolling out the red carpet and inviting everyone to visit a national park and help celebrate National Park Week. Parks are fun and affordable destinations and great places to engage in healthy, outdoor activities, whether for a few hours or a few days.”
At Gulf Islands National Seashore, all entrance fees will be waived for visitors to the park from Saturday April 17 through Sunday April 25. At this time of the year, entrance fees are collected at two of the park’s units: Fort Pickens and Perdido Key. Loop A of Fort Pickens Campground is currently open with full RV hook-ups and restroom facilities. The remainder of the campground is expected to reopen next month, upon completion of a sewer construction project. Visitors may check campsite availability and make reservations by visiting www.recreation.gov or by phoning (877) 444-6777. Campsite rates are $20 per night, or $10 for seniors. Weekend lifeguard coverage will be provided at Langdon Beach beginning this weekend and at Johnson Beach beginning the following weekend. Full daily coverage shall begin next month. Picnic pavilions are also currently available for use and reservation at Opal Beach and Johnson Beach.
Acting Park Superintendent Nina Kelson states, “This is such a good opportunity to reconnect with all the natural and historic features of the national seashore as well as its ranger led programs.” Park entrance stations will have Senior and Annual Passes available for those who wish to purchase them. Kelson points out that faster moving lines makes this an excellent time to acquire annual passes for those visitors wanting to take advantage of what the park offers year-round. For a full description of the facilities and programs currently available, visit the park’s web site at www.nps.gov/guis or contact the Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center at (80) 934-2600.
Pictured: Fort Pickens in the Gulf Islands National Seashore. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Florida Offers Rebates On Appliance Purchases
April 17, 2010
Florida residents can purchase certain news ENERGY STAR appliances and receive a 20-percent rebate from the state, plus another $75 for proving that an old appliance was recycled.
Select ENERGY STAR refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers, dishwashers, gas water heaters (tank-less), and room air conditioners are eligible for a rebate of 20 percent off the retail price and $75 for recycling the old appliance, up to $1,500 per household.
“Now is the perfect time to replace old appliances with energy-efficient ones that will save consumers money for years to come, and the opportunity for a rebate gives Floridians the incentive to buy this month,” Governor Charlie Crist said. “I applaud Florida’s retailers for their efforts to assist Floridians as they select appliances that will qualify for the rebate.”
Florida residents can begin reserving their share of $17.5 million in rebate funds by obtaining a priority number on a first-come, first-served basis at www.rebates.com/florida. While a Priority Number is not required, applications with a priority number will be processed prior to those without one.
The Florida ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program will provide rebates on approximately 68,000 ENERGY STAR appliances purchased from Florida retailers, pumping at least $62 million into Florida’s economy, in addition to generating at least $4 million in tax revenues. Retailers must provide a sales receipt that includes the retailer’s name and address, purchase date, and product information that includes the type of appliance, model number and price.
All applications must be postmarked on or before Monday, May 10, 2010; however, because rebates will be distributed on a first-come, first served basis, the first applications to be processed will be more likely to receive rebates.
NHS Drama Presents Narnia
April 16, 2010
The Northview High School Theater Department presented Narnia — The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe Friday night to rave reviews.
Cast and crew members included 26 students: Clint Davis as Aslan, Professor and Father Christmas; Nathan Taylor as Peter; Abigail Odom as Susan; Justin Purvis as Edmund; Georgia Goetter as Lucy; Angel Mitchel as Mrs Thomas; Tyler Hunter as The White Witch; Kayla Dempsey as The Dwarf Hag; Eric Ickeringill as Mr Beaver; Olivia Nolen as Mrs Beaver; Micah Byars as Fenris Ulf the Captain of the Witch’s Army; Erin Freemin as Monkey; Victoria Barrow as Goat; Jazzlyn Franklin as Panther; Jamichael Carson as Centaur Aslan’s Gaurd; Taylor Rigby as the Rabbit Spy; LaDerius Franklin as The Minotaur and Stage Manager; Aaron Hammond as The Spectra; Blake Luker as the Pig Man; Mallorie Okahashi Stage Hand; Alanna Johnson Stage Hand; Felicia Settle Stage Hand Curtain Operator; Johnny Robbins Sound Tech; Mason Coleman Spotlight Man; Miranda Scott Assistant Stage Manger; and Sebastian Jones Light Tech.
Pictured above: (L-R) Justin Purvis as Edmund, Nathan Taylor as Peter, Georgia Goetter as Lucy and Abigail Odom as Susan. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.