County Approves New Stipend Payment Plan For Volunteer Firefighters
December 13, 2008
The Escambia Commission has approved a new stipend payment policy for volunteer firefighters, with monthly payments of $100 to $550 for firefighters that answer calls and complete basic requirements.
The county budget for stipend payments was increased from $675,000 last year to $982,989 this year in order to meet the anticipated increase in cost due to the policy.
The plan provides payments to volunteers to help offset their expenses such as fuel.
Under the plan, a Firefighter Trainee will receive $100 per month, if he or she has completed a 12 hour orientation course and obtains Firefighter I within one year of joining Escambia Fire-Rescue.
A certified Firefighter I or II will receive $300 per month. A certified lieutenant will receive $350 per month, and a captain will receive $400 per month. An assistant district chief’s stipend will be $450 per month, and a district chief will receive $550.
The stipend policy is retroactive to November 1. The county created one unified fire department, rather than separate volunteer departments, on October 1. Commissioners have state many times that a volunteer systems with stipend payments saves the county a lot of money versus an all-paid department.
A 2007 volunteer fire department audit found that stipend payment policies were confusing, and it was recommended that they be simplified. At that time, the commission directed Escambia Fire-Rescue Chief Ken Perkins and Assistant Chief Robbie Whitfield to work with the Volunteer Firefighter’s Association to simplify the guidelines.
In order to receive the payments, a firefighter must meet qualifications for their position and respond to 25 percent of their department’s first 50 calls per month and 12.5% of all calls over 50 per month.
The policy also provides for a retention incentive during the firefighter’s anniversary year as follows:
5 years of service: $200
10 years of service: $400
15 years of service: $600
20 years of service: $900
25 years of service” $1,200
The stipend policy also allows payment of up to $500 per firefighter to extended services follow an extended disaster such as a hurricane.
Click here to read the complete stipend policy in pdf format
Blog And Photo Gallery: Winterfest Is Just Plain Cool And Our Local North Escambia “Hero Girl” Was Too
December 13, 2008
Pensacola Winterfest is just plan cool; there’s probably not a better way to put it.
The NorthEscambia.com family loaded up and headed to downtown Pensacola Friday night, eager to take in the sights and sounds of Winterfest and Ernest Ward Middle School’s Angel Mitchell in her “starring” role as the girl in The Polar Express.
For a complete photo gallery from Friday night’s Pensacola Winterfest performance, click here.
There are several Winterfest tour options available. We took the “Performance Tour”. On an old fashioned trolley, we rode the decked out streets of downtown Pensacola to take in 15 performances and scenes that brought back lots of childhood memories and lots of warm fuzzy feelings.
The tour begins at the T.T. Wentworth museum, complete with snow blowing off the building and a round of “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” with Rudolph himself on the trolley, complete with blinking nose. Then it’s aboard the trolley and around the corner to the Pensacola Historical Museum for some old fashioned carolers. Then there’s a bit of a history lesson about early Christmas in Pensacola and a stop at Pensacola’s very own orange tree.
A block or two away, it was snowing on the street corner as Frosty the Snowman boarded the trolley much to the delight of the young and young at heart on the trip.
The next stop was the highlight of the trip, both in our opinion and of those that visted Winterfest last year. The trolley stops at a railroad crossing as The Polar Express steams its way along, complete with the “hero girl” and “hero boy”. They board the trolley for a song along with the conducter, and, in a scene straight from that wonderful holiday movie, the boy hands out Santa’s bells to everyone.
The “here girl” is portrayed by Angel Mitchell, a student at Ernest Ward Middle School. She sings a delightful song and does North Escambia proud.
The next stop is Seville Quarter, where Elvis boards the bus to sing “Blue Christmas”. (Even though it is in Seville Quarter, everything is family friendly.) The Cat In The Hat boards the trolley for some furry fun, followed by that green Dr. Sueus character The Grinch as the tour stops by Whoville.
Angels board the trolley next for a few moving verses of “Silent Night” as you sit before a living nativity scene. Kudos to Winterfest for including the nativity scene. Then, in front of the Escambia County Courthouse, a snowy scene from the movie “White Christmas” is acted out as the movie cameras roll. The tour ends with the big red guy himself, Santa Claus, in Plaza Ferdinand.
Our overall impression? Wow! It was like being in the middle of an NBC holiday special. The actors, the scenery and props, the entire production was top notch. It was magical time for both the very young and the very old at heart. It was one of the best Christmas fun things we’ve ever done with our kids; we made some good memories that we’ll be talking about for a long time. The kids were excited to text their friends that they had seen Rudolph, Santa, Frosty and Elvis.
There are several Winterfest tour options, ranging from the performance tour like we described above, to a walking tour. Whatever you choose, it would be well worth a little time out of your busy Christmas schedule to check out the magic of Pensacola Winterfest.
NorthEscambia.com has been giving way tickets to Winterfest all week, and have more to give away. Click here for more information and to register to win.
For more information on Winterfest, visit www.pensacolawinterfest.org.
Pictured above: Ernest Ward Middle School student Angel Mitchell portrays the “hero girl” from the movie The Polar Express at Pensacola Winterfest Friday night. Pictured below: The Grinch hops on board the trolley at a stop in “Whoville”. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Another Residential Fire Adds Seventh Red Bulb To Wreaths
December 13, 2008
On December 1, Escambia County Fire-Rescue and the City of Pensacola Fire Department kicked off the “Keep the Wreath Green” holiday fire safety campaign. A seventh red bulb was lit late Friday following a seventh residential fire.
At 5:20 Friday afternoon, a fire was reported in the 3100 block of Two Sisters Way in the Pensacola area. The fire, located in the kitchen, was caused by unattended cooking and was quickly brought under control. No injuries were reported. Firefighters from Osceola and Warrington responded.
With cooking fires accounting for the largest percentage of home fires within Escambia County and across the United Sates, here are a few fire safety tips for the kitchen:
- Never leave food to cook unattended.
- Keep pot handles turned in to avoid bumping or knocking hot pots over.
- Keep cooking areas clean and free of grease and other combustibles (e.g. potholders, towels, rags, drapes and food packaging), which can catch fire easily
- Don?t pour water on grease fires. Either smother them with a lid or baking powder or use a proper extinguisher.
- K eep children away from the cooking area while the stove, oven or other appliances are in use.
- Keep pets from underfoot so you do not trip and keep them away from cooking surfaces and nearby countertops.
- Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and catch fire.
- Keep an ABC extinguisher readily available and know how to use it.
Escambia County Fire-Rescue and the City of Pensacola Fire Department will continue the “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign throughout the holiday season. This year, the fifth year of the campaign, five-foot wreaths will be on display at 22 different locations throughout the holiday season. These sites are the Old Escambia County Courthouse on Palafox Place, the Public Safety Building on W Street, all 18 primary county fire stations, and two fire stations within the City of Pensacola. Every time firefighters respond to a residential fire a green light bulb will be replaced with a red one to remind citizens of the dangers posed by holiday decorations.
Ole Folks Day Today In Byrneville
December 13, 2008
The annual Ole Folks Day will be held today at Byrneville United Methodist Church,
Beginning at 10:30 this morning, there will be singing, a worship service and lunch to follow. Everyone is welcome.
The church is located at 1351 Byrneville Road, just south of Highway 4.
Take A Hayride With Santa Today
December 13, 2008
It’s the next best thing to a sleigh ride — Santa Claus will be in Escambia County for hayrides this evening.
Escambia County Neighborhoods and Community Services Bureau announces the sixth Annual Santa Hayride. This year’s event will be held on this evening at the Escambia County Equestrian Center, 7750 Mobile Highway. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and admission is free. There will be nominal charges for concessions.
This winter wonderland will be fun for children of all ages. You can ride and sing on the hayride, enjoy seasonal, fun activities, such as inflatable “moon walks,” make holiday decorations, take a pony ride, and have a chance to give Santa your wish list all at no charge. Be sure to bring your own camera for photos with Santa. You can also climb a rock wall for $5 per climb and take a bungee jump for $5 per jump. The event provides a great opportunity to make holiday memories that will last a lifetime. So stop by and enjoy the festive music, cheer and holiday refreshments.
The event also serves as an official drop-off site for the Toys for Tots program sponsored by the Marine Corps League Detachment 066. Patrons are also encouraged to drop off broken or old cellular telephones, which will be exchanged for free minutes for overseas troops to call home for the holidays.
Let Us Know What Your Church Or Community Group Has Planned For The Christmas Season
December 13, 2008
If you church, school or community group has a Christmas activity planned, NorthEscambia.com would like to help you spread the word on our events page.
To list your event on NorthEscambia.com, click here for our contact form.
Announcements are free of charge for church, school or non-profit organizations.
County Pulls Out Of $22 Million Training Facility In North Escambia
December 12, 2008
Escambia County is pulling out of a $22 million deal to purchase 684 acres north of Molino near the Camp O’ the Pines for a regional police, fire and EMS training facility, at least for now, after the sheriff-elect said he wanted out of the deal.
The Escambia County Commission voted 5-0 Thursday night to withdraw support for the joint project between the county, Pensacola Junior College, The PJC Foundation and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department. The entities entered into an interlocal agreement in 2006 to purchase the land from RMS Timberlands, LLC for $3,278,400. That sale was to be closed by December 18 on the Highway 29 property.
$11 million of the total $22 million price tag for the facility was to be contributed by the sheriff’s department via the county from local option sales tax money. The other $11 million was to come from a state grant obtained by PJC. But Sheriff-elect David Morgan said he was not convinced that the facility was needed.
Thursday night, the commission voted to put the project on hold for six months. The vote authorized County Administrator Bob McLaughlin (pictured left at Thursday night’s meeting) to withdraw support for the project, coordinate a re-evaluation of the project’s merits with Morgan and other agencies, and to reconvene the site selection committee after the needs evaluation.
The land purchase was scheduled to close by December 18. The agreement contained a $200,000 penalty clause if the closing were to be delayed.
“The county will have to pay $200,000 if they delay the closing, but not if they cancel the land purchase before the scheduled closing.” Sonya Daniel, county spokesperson, said.
Plans called for the facility to being as a state-of-the-art firing range for PJC students and area law enforcement. It was to expand into a fire and emergency medical service training facility.
Morgan will take office as then new Escambia sheriff in January.
Northview Student Named Finalist In Rotary Four-way Essay Contest
December 12, 2008
A Northview High School junior was recently named a finalist in a Rotary Club essay contest.
Jessica N. Bloodworth was selected as finalist for her essay on the topic “Why is the Rotary Four-way Test relevant?”.
She was presented a commendation certificate and a $200 check from the International Rotary Club of Pensacola Suburb and West (SubWest Rotary).
The Rotary Four-Way test was created in 1952 by Chicago Rotarian Herbert Taylor. This test is about the things we think, say or do. “Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?” He asked employees to memorize the Four-way test and make a habit of checking their thoughts, words and deeds against it every day.
Pictured above: Bloodsworth receives a certificate of commendation and a $200 check from Rotary member and contest chair Wendy S. Simon. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bloodsworth’s essay is reprinted below in its entirety.
Ready, Aim, FIRE!
The military brings unthought of relevance to the Rotary Four-Way Test today. Our nation’s armed services are the direct truth, they show fairness, bring goodwill and friendships to others, and are beneficial to all concerned for many reasons. These reasons are displayed through the foundation of a well-regulated militia, the selections process of honorable men and women, charity for the needy persons of this nation, and the comradery among fellow service men.
To begin, in the country’s present time of need due to the war in Iraq and economic troubles, there is a demand for a steadfast foundation such as the military. The military is the truth because it was written into our country’s constitution–the need of a well-regulated militia– by our founding fathers such as Thomas Jefferson. This prestigious organization, the military, brings feelings of security as people look toward and analyze one thing; the honest truth. In the military trust plays a vital role not only among soldiers, but of the government as well. If the men and women in the line of duty don’t trust each other then directions aren’t going to be followed and lives are going to be lost. The faithful citizens who serve must trust the decisions of the government officials and one another in order to carry out their jobs efficiently in which effect the American citizens who trust the government and military actions as well. Therefore, trust–I believe–is a necessity to be right at the heart of American values and subsequently at the heart of the military’s values as well.
Proceeding on, fairness is very essential in playing a role in the military. As men and women enlist or become commissioned officers in the armed services, there are specific rules and regulations in place to insure the country’s well-being that must be followed. For example, prospective soldiers must not have serious pre-existing health conditions or criminal records. This would cause national security problems, endanger their fellow co-workers, and cause discrimination if these rules weren’t in place. In addition, once outstanding men and women are chosen to serve, it is very beneficial and in the country’s best interest that only the most outstanding people are qualified to provide national security. Not only is qualification a must on the person’s own behalf, but a senior enlisted soldier or an officer must extend fairness among his/her fellow subordinates to make sure that everyone is doing what they’re suppose to be doing to make tasks run smoothly and delegate to give others a sense of importance. To note, extreme fairness should also be extended to those who are serving or who have served in our nation’s armed forces and have been held as a prisoner of war or a position comparable to receive special recognition and compensation for their grief and sufferance.
Last but not least, although the military is usually a word mentioned in serious conversation or context, it is also about the brotherhood and the family bonds that are established. As there are approximately 5,000 sailors onboard an aircraft carrier, which is much like a floating city, there are numerous friendships made during the time deployed. The people onboard establish bonds that last far beyond their cruise at sea. For instance, as I watched the episodes of the documentary Carrier this past summer, I keyed in on the fact that “..it’s just like a floating high school out here.” was mentioned. And to some extent I’m sure it’s true. Much like a high school setting a ship is portrayed to be full of lasting friendships, personal drama, affectionate relationships, and even professional disputes that may occur. Thus, as all of the personalities and ethnic backgrounds collide it is genetically programmed in the nature of humans to help one another and bring goodwill to each other in their time of need no matter what personal conflicts they may face because especially in the military you’re a team and a family. To deviate, in addition to helping one another the armed services also sponsor and donate time and money to various charities and needy individuals such as the Salvation Army at Christmas time and rescuing victims of natural disasters.
In summary, the military brings relevance to the Rotary Four-Way Test today because it is the truth, it casts fairness on those involved, it brings goodwill and builds better friendships, and it is beneficial to all concerned. The relevance is displayed through security along with our country’s constitution, guidelines for service, brotherhood, and charity. Like Douglas MacArthur once said, “A better world shall emerge based on faith and understanding.”
County Cuts Tax Exemptions For West Fraser Following Layoffs, Delays Action On Wayne Dalton
December 12, 2008
The Escambia County Commission has repealed a county ordinance providing tax breaks to West Fraser Timber Company’s McDavid Mill following layoffs at the plant. The commission also delayed a similar action on tax breaks for Pensacola’s Wayne Dalton Corporation.
The commission voted 5-0 Thursday night to repeal the West Fraser’s ad valorem tax breaks, and voted 5-0 to delay action on cutting the tax breaks for Wayne Dalton.
The Wayne Dalton exemptions will remain in place pending further review.
Charles Wood, senior economic development coordinator for the Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce, told commissioners that while Wayne Dalton has announced layoffs, those layoffs will not actually happen until early 2009.
Wood said that an early end to the Wayne Dalton tax breaks might send the wrong message to industries considering Escambia County.
“We want to make sure we don’t send the wrong message,” Wood said.
The county attorney’s office recommended that the tax exemptions be repealed because the companies no longer meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the county and state law.
The tax exemptions were for 100 percent of the value of “certain real estate and personal property” on the corporations.
County tax records show a $6,891,161 real estate exemption for West Fraser in 2008. West Fraser was exempted from $48,069.29 in county taxes and $4,720.45 for the sheriff’s department on their real estate in 2008.
West Fraser received a $14,949,326 exemption on company property in 2008. That amounted $104,279.02 in county tax exemptions and $10,240.29 for the sheriff’s department in 2008.
The county’s tax exemption for West Fraser was to have continued until 2010.
Between 75 and 100 jobs were cut in November at West Fraser in what the company called a “market-related curtailment”.
Pictured above: The Escambia County Commission Thursday night.
Commissioners Won’t Gamble On Poker Games
December 12, 2008
The Escambia County Commission was not willing to bet on cardroom gaming at a county greyhound track.
The commission voted 3-2 to deny a request to allow poker games at the Pensacola Greyhound Park. Commissioners Kevin White, Wilson Robertson and Marie Young voted against the card game gambling. Commissioners Grover Robinson and Gene Valentino voted for the cardroom gaming.
The greyhound park has laid off almost 100 people in recent months. Owners said the cardroom gaming would put about 150 people to work.
A parade of citizens spoke out for and and against the proposal. Some talked economics and putting people in the community to worked, while others spoke out with moral issues against the gambling.
“I consider myself a moral, spiritual and ethical person, but this has nothing to do with that,” Valentino said. He said the cardroom gaming at the greyhound park was simply a matter of economics.
The Pensacola Greyhound Park no longer offers live dog races; they show simulcast races from South Florida.