Nuclear Power Bill Passes Senate
May 4, 2009
Just over a month after NorthEscambia.com broke the story that Gulf Power Company is purchasing land in North Escambia for a possible nuclear power plant, the Florida Senate has passed a bill promoting so-called “clean power” — including nuclear — in the state.
The bill was approved by the Senate 37-1 late last week. The energy bill requires electric utilities to meet or exceed specified standards for the production or purchase of clean energy. Clean energy production methods include wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydrogen, hydroelectric and nuclear, according to the bill.
The bill will now head to the Florida House for approval.
In March, NorthEscambia.com was the first to report the exclusive story that Gulf Power was purchasing property in North Escambia for a potential power plant — one that might be nuclear — in the Cox and Roach road areas between McDavid and Bratt.
Gulf Power Manager of Public Affairs Sandy Sims told us that the plant could be nuclear, natural gas powered or even an advanced technology like wind or solar. Whatever the type of power generation facility, the earliest it would likely produce its first kilowatt of electricity would be the year 2020, and perhaps as late as 2025.
Jones Slams Molino Softball’s First Home Run In 13 Years
May 4, 2009
For the first time in 13 years, a Molino girl’s softball player knocked one out of the park last week.
Shaniqua Jones, who plays for the 16U Lady Cats, hit one out of the park last week against NEP. She stepped up to the plate with two runners on base. On the third pitch, she sent the ball over the center field fence for a three-run home run.
It was the first home run on the season, and the first home run by a Molino girl’s softball player since 1996.
Pictured The Molino Lady Cat’s Shaniqua Jones. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com.
Weekend In Photos: Fishing Rodeo, Mayfest, Relay And More
May 4, 2009
NorthEscambia.com was there as many weekend events took place, and we have the photos for you.
Over 1,000 people took part in the North Pensacola Relay for Life Friday night into Saturday morning at Tate High School. For the photo gallery, click here.
In Barrineau Park Friday night, dozens of people gather for an evening of entertainment at the Barrineau Park Music Night. Click here for info.
It was a special morning in Walnut Hill Saturday as dozens of handicapped people took part in the Fiesta of Five Flags Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo. For the photo gallery, click here.
With lots of beautiful babies, arts, crafts, good food, entertainment and more, Atmore held the annual Mayfest event Saturday. Click here for the photo gallery.
Pictured above: One of our favorite weekend photos from the Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo Saturday morning in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Helicopter Technology Foreclosure Proceedings Move Forward; Hearing Scheduled
May 4, 2009
The Town of Century’s foreclosure proceedings against Helicopter Technology is continuing, and the town’s lawyer says that proving that the defunct company owes a default interest rate could mean another $235,000 for the town.
The town started mortgage foreclosure proceedings against Helicopter Technology, Inc. in Escambia County Circuit Court on August 26, 2008 after the company defaulted on payment arrangements with the town. Company owner Georges Van Nevel apparently left the country at that time.
At the time the mortgage foreclosure proceedings were filed, the town was aware of two other liens against the property. One from Williams, Cox, Weidner & Cox. P.A. from 2005 was for $8,000. Another judgment from 2008 by Anthony Urella and Demetri Urella had a $27,000 balance. After the lawsuit was filed, the town learned that there was an additional lien for $90,000 for a judgment in favor of Landmark National II Corp.
The town’s foreclosure motions in Escambia County Circuit Court sought to have the other liens dismissed. Only one party, the accounting firm, filed an answer supporting their claim. A motion of default was entered against the other defendants, including Helicopter Technology, in October.
One of the biggest points that the town will be required to prove in court is the amount of interest owed, Town Attorney Matt Dannheiser said in a recent letter obtained by NorthEscambia.com. According to the letter to Mayor Freddie McCall, Dannheiser said the interest rate could mean a $235,000 difference in the amount of money the town receives.
The promissory note provides for a seven-percent interest rate, making the total amount owed by Helicopter Technology $471,000. But one provision of the note provides for an 18-percent default rate, which would make the total amount the town could claim $706,000 if the rate is applied back to March 1, 2004 — the first day of default.
If the building is sold at auction for less than $471,000, the interest rate is unimportant, Dannheisser’s letter says. But if it sells for more than $471,000, the excess would go to the other lienholder before the town. If the court agrees the interest rate should be the 18 percent back to 2004, the town would receive the full auction selling price up to the $706,000 before a lien is paid.
“Of course, that effort would be for naught if the amount bid at the foreclosure sale would be less than $471,000,” Dannheisser said in his letter to the mayor.
The latest motion in the Helicopter Technology foreclosure case will be heard on July 20.
Pictured above: Helicopter Technologies owner Georges Van Nevel addresses the Century Town Council in early June 2008. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Report: Our Air Is Some Of The Worst In The State
May 3, 2009
The air we breathe in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties is some of the worst in the state according new information just released by the American Lung Association.
The “State of the Air” report from 2009 gives Escambia County an “F” for the number of high ozone days — about 46 — per year. Santa Rosa also gets a failing grade for 35 high ozone days per year. The report says the ozone levels are getting worse. Escambia County had 39 more per year in this year’s report than last, and Santa Rosa was up 33.
The report also gives Escambia County low marks for particle pollution. Exposure to particle pollution to appears to increase women’s risk of lower lung function, developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and dying prematurely, according to the Lung Association. Particle pollution, on average, reaches critical levels about five days per year, the group says. Particle pollution numbers were not released for Santa Rosa County in the 2009 report.
The low air quality is especially problematic for those with certain diseases. In the two county area, about 31,000 people are estimated to have asthma, about 7,000 have chronic bronchitis, 6,100 have emphysema and over 130,000 have cardiovascular disease.
“This should be a wakeup call. We know that air pollution is a major threat to human health,” said Stephen J. Nolan, American Lung Association national board chair. “When 60 percent of Americans are left breathing air dirty enough to send people to the emergency room, to shape how kids’ lungs develop, and to kill, air pollution remains a serious problem.”
Editors note: Since North Escambia borders Escambia County, Alabama, we thought it important to note that we did not include that county in this article because the report does not list any data for Escambia County, Alabama. Many counties are not included in the report because the county does not have any air pollution monitors installed by the EPA.
North Escambia Area Residents Graduate From UWF
May 3, 2009
The University of West Florida held their Spring Commencement Ceremony Saturday. The following students from North Escambia were among the graduates:
Century
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Robert Best, Robinson Hallford, Brittany Levins, Erin Pritchett
- Master’s Degree: Paul Chason
Molino
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Jason Amnott, Frank Amnott, Larshielle Banks, Frederick Bryant, Jennifer Connor, Nicholette Floyd, Robert Myrick, Kristen Smith, William Tanner
- Master’s Degree: Rebecca Hatch
McDavid
- Bachelor’s Degree: Kimberly Jones
Cantonment
- Associate of Arts Degrees: Tiffany Arrazola, Casey Gilbert
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Brittny Abrahamson, Jennifer Amigh, William Andrews, Sara Anthony, Leidy Arias, Stacey Barnes, Sherry Bell, Crystal Boyd, Crystle Ellis, Arthur Fletcher, John Fortuna, Katelyn Geri, Stephanie Godfrey, Jason Grusenski, Nicole Haubrich, Matt Hawkins, Kristin Johnson, Nikolaus Johnson, Derek King, Ashley King, James Long, Daniel Martin, Kelley McDowell, Wayne Meligan, Scott Miller, Natalie Ollinger, Jessica Perkins, Chelsea Pipkins, Kelly Poley, Lee Poppe, Alisha Preston, Brianne Reid, Crayton Ronso, Danyel Smith, Charlotte Somerville, Barbara Stefani, Joseph Tarnecki, Kaitlin Teets, Jamie Vail, Lea Williams
- Master’s Degrees: Wayne Abrahamson, Brian Ball, Michael Knight, Candice Knowles, Kristian Lapata
Jay
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Kristopher Head, Jessica Ivey, Alana Morrison, Lauren Pennell, Carrie Penton, Trey Settle, Ashley Slade
- Master’s Degrees: Kimberly Campbell, Aaron Lowry, Lauren Nevels
Flomaton
- Doctoral Degree: Valerie Smith
Jay Historical Society Living History Museum Opens
May 3, 2009
History came alive Saturday as the Jay Historical Society held a grand opening for their Living History Museum.
The Jay Historical Society, established in 2001, has worked for years to make their museum dream a reality in the old Cobb House at 3946 Highway 4 in Jay.
After a ribbon cutting, Saturday’s events include civil war reenactors, storytelling, candle dipping, quilters, an old farm display, musical entertainment and more.
Exhibits at the new museum include an old Victrola complete with records, yearbooks from the early 1950’s to the present from Jay and Allentown high schools, old cameras, an ice box (the kind that once used a block of ice) and even a gasoline powered washing machine.
For more information, call (850) 675-6480 or (850) 675-3772 or email jmd@erec.net.
On Social Security? Look For An Extra $250 Soon
May 3, 2009
If you receive Social Security benefits, you can expect $250 extra in your check this month.
Vice President Joe Biden announced Thursday that the federal government will send out $250 economic recovery payments to people who receive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits beginning in early May and continuing throughout the month.
No action is required to get the payment, which will be sent separately from the person’s regular monthly payment.
“The Social Security Administration and Commissioner Astrue have been working closely with other federal agencies to get these payments out the door in record time and into the hands of folks who need it most,” said Vice President Biden in a press release. “These are checks that will make a big difference in the lives of older Americans and people with disabilities – many of whom have been hit especially hard by the economic crisis that has swept across the country.”
The payments will go to about 55 million Americans.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides for a one-time payment of $250 to adult Social Security beneficiaries, and to SSI recipients, except those receiving Medicaid in care facilities. To receive the payment the individual must be eligible for Social Security or SSI during the months of November 2008, December 2008 or January 2009.
The legislation also provides for a one-time payment to Veterans Affairs (VA) and Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) beneficiaries. The VA and RRB will be responsible for paying individuals under their respective programs. However, if someone receives Social Security and SSI, VA or RRB benefits, he or she will receive only one $250 payment. People getting Social Security or SSI should not contact the agency unless a payment is not received by June 4, 2009.
For more detailed information about the $250 one-time economic recovery payments, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/payment.
Photo Gallery: Atmore Celebrates Mayfest
May 3, 2009
From beautiful babies, arts and crafts, entertainment and plenty of fun, Mayfest 2009 had a little bit of something for everyone Saturday at Tom Byrne Park in Atmore.
Hundred attended the annual event, including many North Escambia residents.
For a complete NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from Mayfest, click here.
Pictured above: Bratt Elementary School fifth graders Dariane Guy, Lorri Harrell and Jadlyn Agerton enjoy Mayfest in Atmore Saturday morning. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Fishing Rodeo For The Disabled Held In Walnut Hill
May 3, 2009
“I caught one! I caught one!”
The sounds of excitement were all around Saturday for the 35th annual Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo in Walnut Hill.
Over the 35 year history of the fishing rodeo, it has been held at locations ranging from Ft. Pickens to the Three Mile Bridge in Pensacola. Since 2001, it has been held at Jantz’s Catfish Pond on South Highway 99, just off Highway 97.
Dozens of volunteers stood ready Saturday to help the disabled fish. They baited hooks, tossed a line and offered words of friendly encouragement. Many of the volunteers were from the Walnut Hill Mennonite Church.
About 60 disabled people were registered in Saturday’s fishing rodeo. They were from around the area, including Pensacola and Century. Several residents from the Century Care Center participated. Everything, including lunch, in Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo is provided to the disabled for free as a project of the Pensacola Fiesta of Five Flags organization.
Click here for a complete NorthEscambia.com photo gallery.
While Jantz Catfish Pond is not open for public fishing, nearby ponds belonging to Steve Hiebert (Steve’s Sweet Corn) are open for public fishing. For more information, call 327-4020.
Pictured: Scenes from the 35th annual Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo in Walnut Hill Saturday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.