Nominations Sought For Florida Agricultural Hall Of Fame
July 14, 2008
Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson has announced that nominations are now being accepted for candidates to the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2009. The deadline for submitting nominations is September 1 of this year.
“The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame was created to honor Florida’s agricultural pioneers and leaders,” Bronson said. “I hope everyone will take a moment to consider who should be nominated this year for the highest honor bestowed by the agricultural community.”
Previous inductees have come from all walks of life: agricultural teachers, researchers, farmers, ranchers and government leaders. Their lives and achievements are commemorated in a display on permanent exhibit in the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation building at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. A total of 124 people have been inducted into the Hall of Fame since 1980.
Anyone can submit a nomination on behalf of a candidate for the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame. However, all nomination forms must be completed as specified in the instructions.
The nominees, chosen by an independent panel of judges, will be announced later this year. The induction ceremony will take place February 9, 2009, during the 31st annual Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame banquet and awards ceremony at the Florida State Fair.
Nomination forms may be requested by calling (813) 628-4551, or by writing: Chairman, Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation, 4508 Oak Fair Boulevard, Suite 290, Tampa, Florida 33610. The fax number for nomination forms is (813) 620-4008. Nomination forms are also available on the web at www.flaghalloffame.com.
Last Chance To Take Our Survey
July 14, 2008
Time is almost up for you to let your thoughts be known about NorthEscambia.com and the services we offer to you. If you have not yet taken our online survey, we ask that you do so today.
We ask that you take about two minutes and take our online survey. We will ask a few questions about what you like and don’t like about NorthEscambia.com, and we will ask for your help in choosing new features we might at to the site.
If you have already taken the survey, we thank you. If not, please take a moment to let your voice be heard.
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Gulf Power Wants 11 Percent Rate Increase
July 13, 2008
If you are a Gulf Power customer, your bill could be on the way up very soon.
Citing double-digit increases in the price of natural gas and coal, Gulf Power Company is asking the Florida Public Service Commission to approve an increase in electricity prices to cover a $76 million shortfall in 2008 revenues.
Gulf Power is the electric utility in the area of North Escambia from Century south through Molino and continuing south into Pensacola. Areas such as Bratt, Oak Grove, Walnut Hill and Davisville west to Alabama area served by Escambia River Electric Cooperative.
If the request is approved, residential customers will see an increase of 11.3 percent, raising the cost of 1,000 kilowatt hours from $102.22 to $113.76.
Gulf Power makes no profit on the cost of fuel. Customers are billed only what Gulf Power pays for the fuels used to make electricity.
To lessen the impact on customers, Gulf Power is asking the FPSC to spread the increase out until the end of 2009, rather than collecting all of the shortfall in 2008 – the normal annual recovery period. If approved by the FPSC the increase would go into effect September 1.
“The increase in the cost of fuel that we are experiencing is unprecedented,” said Gulf Power’s General Manager of Public Affairs John Hutchinson. “We don’t like increasing our prices especially at this difficult time. But just like the rising cost of gasoline, the cost of the fuels we use continues to climb. By spreading the shortfall out over a longer period of time we hope to lessen the impact as much as possible.”
The average price of coal, which fuels more than 80 percent of Gulf Power’s electricity generation, has risen 30 percent in the last year while average natural gas prices have jumped 47 percent since 2007.
Gulf Power is the third major utility in Florida seeking a mid-year fuel adjustment, with Florida Power and Light and Progress Energy seeking increases earlier this month. Normally, the FPSC adjusts electricity prices each January for fuel price fluctuations. But coal and natural gas prices have risen so rapidly in 2008, utilities are being forced to ask for mid-year adjustments.
If the FPSC approves all the requests, Gulf Power will continue to have the lowest rates among all the major utilities in the state.
Electric utility customers pay only the actual fuel costs that the company incurs. When fuel prices go up, the additional costs are passed through to customers. And when fuel prices go down, the savings are passed through to customers. Fuel costs have a major impact on electricity bills, accounting for almost 50 percent of the total bill.
To help customers, Gulf Power offers free energy checkups to identify energy efficiency measures to save homeowners and businesses money on their electricity bills. The company also offers rebates on Geothermal heating and cooling systems which save up to 40 percent on heating and cooling costs, as well as innovative rates and residential energy management systems to help customers lower their bills. And, the company offers a number of payment options and programs to help customers smooth out payments during high-bill months. Plan details and energy-saving tips are available at www.gulfpower.com.
Crossroads In Concert Sunday In Molino
July 13, 2008
Crossroads will be in concert in the 8:30 and 10:30 services Sunday morning at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino.
Crossroads is Kristen Sorrells, Lyndi Hardy and Brad Adkinson. They have been together just over a year, and they were quickly singing at churches across Santa Rosa County and a few churches in Alabama and Escambia County, Florida.
They have performed at the 100th Anniversary of the Southern Baptist Association, Relay for Life in Mobile and at a recent company celebration at Solutia.
Brad is a member of First Baptist Church in Milton and is employed with Solutia. He and his wife Mindy have two children. Lyndi and her husband Robbie are members at Pine Terrace Baptist Church in Milton. Lyndi is also a teacher at Milton High School. Kristen and her husband Phillipp are members at Pine Terrace Baptist Church. They have three children, and she is a stay at home mom.
Aldersgate is located on Highway 29, just south of Highway 97 in Molino. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Submitted photo.
Hacker Hits Escambia Tax Collector Site
July 13, 2008
The Escambia tax collector’s web site was defaced by a hacker on Saturday, and now the site is down.
The text on the site and all of the links were replaced by the text “hacked by mOsted (Turkish) No War”. The statement appeared repeatedly on the site.
By late Saturday afternoon, the tax collector’s office had taken the site offline, making local tax information unavailable to the public.
According to an internet seach, such hacks are typically random in nature where the hacker used an automated process to look for vunerabilities with the code that makes up a web site.
The tax collector’s web site is hosted by Escambia County on the same group of servers that serve other county web sites.
Computer hacking can be a felony under Florida law, but most hacks such as this one originate in a foreign country.
Visit Any Florida State Park For Free Today
July 13, 2008
Today is your chance to visit any Florida stare park for free. All state parks will waive admission charges all day today.
To celebrate July as Recreation and Parks Month, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Recreation & Parks is encouraging family-friendly,outdoor recreation with the launch of its “Family. Friends. Fun. Campaign” to reconnect children and families with nature.
Some of the state parks in our area include: Big Lagoon State Park near Pensacola, Perdido Key State Park on Perdido Key and Florida Caverns State Park (pictured above) near Marianna
Since 1985, the National Recreation and Park Association has designated July as Recreation and Parks Month. To celebrate this designation, Florida is waiving admission to all state parks today.
“Recreation and Parks Month is an excellent time for family and friends to visit a state park and experience …the Real Florida,” said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. “State parks provide a multitude of activities that promote mental and physical well being.”
The Family. Friends. Fun. Campaign is hosting events in state parks that appeal to individuals and families of all ages and interests this July during Recreation and Parks Month. On Sunday, July 13, entry into all 161 state parks will be free, providing an opportunity for everyone to head outdoors and experience Florida State Parks.
“Without the encouragement of parents and friends, children are less likely to play outdoors and gain exposure to natural resources and nature-based recreation,” said Florida State Parks Director Mike Bullock. “Establishing a healthy relationship with nature during childhood is a valuable habit that will benefit individuals and society as a whole for years.”
The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation’s best state park service, Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with 161 parks spanning almost 700,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beaches.
From swimming and diving in Florida’s rivers and springs to birding and fishing or hiking and riding on natural scenic trails, Florida’s state parks offer year-around outdoor activities for all ages. Battle re-enactments and Native American festivals celebrate Florida’s unique history, while art shows, museums and lighthouses offer a window into Florida’s cultural heritage.
For more information about Florida State Parks and activities scheduled for July 13 and throughout Recreation and Parks Month, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org. For more information on the national initiative to connect children and nature, visit http://www.childrenandnature.org/.
Pictured above: The Florida State Caverns Park near Marianna. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Video: The Century Drug Raids
July 12, 2008
Ten people were arrested in early Friday morning drug raids at four locations across Century.
Century Mayor Freddie McCall and Escambia Sheriff Ron McNesby held a joint news conference Friday morning. The video below includes portions of that press conference and video from the actual pre-dawn raids.
Click the video to play.
Major Drug Sweep Conducted Early Friday In Century; ECSO Releases Names, Details
July 11, 2008
A major drug sweep took place early Friday morning in the Century area as officers fanned out across the city conducting raids and searches.
Ten people were arrested in the sting, according to Escambia County Sheriff Ron McNesby, with five or six more arrests expected to result from the month long investigation. Most of the arrests involved hydrocodone, also known by the brand name Lortab.
Those arrested and their charges were:
- Billy G. Griffis, 51, McCall Road. Charged with selling hydrocodone, selling hydrocodone with 1,000 feet of a place of worship, possession of hydrocodone with 1,000 feet of a place of worship with an intent to distribute, trafficking in hydrocodone over four grams. His bond was set at $70,000.
- Jeffery L. Sanders, 24, West Highway 4. He was charged with selling cocaine. His bond was set at $10,000.
- Brain K. Sanders, 21, Highway 31, Flomaton. He was charged with selling cocaine and possession of cocaine. His bond was set at $20,000.
- Anna M. Elliot, 26, Ramar Street. She was charged with selling cocaine, cocaine possession with the intent to distribute, possession of marijuana under 20 grams. Bond was set at $26,000.
- Willie C. Banks, 25, Old Flomaton Road. He was charged with selling cocaine, cocaine possession with the intent to sell, selling of hydrocodone, possession of hydrocodone with intent to sell. Bond was set at $35,000.
- Terrance M Malone, 21, Jefferson Avenue. Selling of cocaine, sell of MDMA (“Ecstasy”), selling of marijuana, possession of MDMA with intent to distribute, selling of MDMA. Bond was set at $45,000.
- Dewayne Carter, 35, Lake Street. Selling of cocaine, possession of cocaine. Bond was set at $5,000.
- Helen M. Isabel, 18, Hudson Hill Road. Selling of hydrocodone. Bond set at $5,000.
- Gregory Williams, 32, Old Flomaton Road. Possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond set at $500.
- Rebecca Warrick, 23 of Old Flomaton Road. Possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond set at $500.
For photographs of each suspect, click here.
The sheriff said he expects five or six more arrests as a result of the month long investigation.
Search warrants were executed at 153 East Pond Street; 120 East Pond Street; 9451 Old Flomaton Road, Lot 3; and 101 McCall Road.
NorthEscambia.com was at the raid on McCall Street. At least seven people sat outside in handcuffs as officers searched a travel trailer and mobile home during the early morning hours. Two of those being held outside during the searches, a male and a female, were taken into custody and transported to the Escambia County Jail.
“I didn’t do nothing,” the woman told deputies. “What y’all got me here for? You think I sold crack or something? Marijuana? I didn’t do no nothing.”
“You have a warrant for your arrest, ma’am,” an officer told her. “You sold drugs to an undercover officer.”
“I ain’t sold no drugs to nobody,” she replied.
The arrests and searches, which began after midnight, were mostly over by about 4:00 Friday morning.
Click here for more photos from the drug raids early this morning.
Click here for mug shots of each suspect.
Pictured above: Billy G. Griffis, 51, is taken into custody before being transported to the Escambia County Jail about 3:30 Frudat morning on McCall Road. Pictured below: One of the raids was conducted at this mobile home and travel trailer on McCall Road near the intersection of Hudson Hill Road. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Sheriff and Mayor Hold News Conference, Express Surprise Over Type Of Drugs Found In Century
July 11, 2008
Escambia County Sheriff Ron McNesby and Century Mayor Freddie McCall held a joint news conference Friday morning, praising each one another for helping to rid Century’s streets of illegal drugs and expressing surprise at the type of drugs found in an early Friday morning raid.
“I met with Mayor McCall in regard to some drug problems they were having in Century,” McNesby said. “His office cooperated 100 percent with us based on complaints he and received and just his observations up there. And I ordered an undercover investigation into this thing.”
That investigation led to the arrest of 10 Century area residents in raids early Friday morning, with the arrest of up to six more people expected soon.
The four search warrants were served by officers from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department, the department’s SWAT team, the Drug Enforcement Administratin (DEA) and the Navy Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).
The drugs involved in the Century investigation were a little different this time, according to the sheriff, with most of the investigation centering around hydrocodone, also known by the brand name Lortab.
“Normally, we’ve had cocaine problems up there, and crack and things of that nature,” McNesby said. “We are seeing more of a prescription drug type problem up there now like Lortab. That’s kind of fascinating in that it is kind of changing the face of what is happening in the Century area.”
“Even though we got cocaine this time, we are finding that it is more of the Lortab type medicine,” the sheriff said. “I think it is becoming more of a drug of the times that crack cocaine is because of the accessibility of it.”
The sheriff said that the Lortab in the case likely originated in several places…leftover prescriptions, forged prescriptions, drugstore burglaries and residential burglaries where medicine cabinets are emptied. But he said he believes that most of the drugs came from people going to doctors “where they can get a pretty good supply of it”.
“It’s just become a new market,” he said. “It’s something that we are seeing more and more of. We were just surprised to see it it in Century. We were expecting crack cocaine and marijuana.”
On particular problem faced in the undercover Century investigation was Century’s small population, McNesby said. In an environment where most people know their neighbors, putting undercover officers into place is a difficult task.
“I feel that this is a great accomplishment for the city of Century,” the sheriff said, adding that about 48 percent of all sheriff’s department calls in the north end of Escambia County are within the city limits of Century.
“I appreciate what the sheriff and his department has done. We do have a problem. I have citizens calling the office and complaining every day,” McCall said of the investigation.
“We feel like it was very successful,” McNesby said. “It would not have been successful if we had not of had the cooperation of the mayor and his office up there because there are a lot of things we don’t know about a community.”
Photos: New Gallery Posted From Inside The Century Drug Raids
July 11, 2008
(Updated) More photos have been added to the NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from Friday morning’s drug raid in Century. The photos will show you the raids from the inside and out.
Click here for the NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the Century drug raids.