Appeals Court Says Vanette Webb, Former District 5 School Board Member, Can Seek $200,000 From Board
February 6, 2009
Vanette Webb, a former District 5 Escambia County School Board member, will once again have her chance to try to collect about $200,000 in legal fees from the school board.
Her claim was rejected by the Escambia County Circuit Court in 2007 when the court said it did not have jurisdiction to hear the case. The First District Court of Appeal issued a ruling Thursday that the lower court did have jurisdiction to hear the claim.
Webb racked up the $200,000 in legal fees defending herself after she was accused of violating Florida’s open records laws.
Webb was indicted for violating the laws in December 1998 while serving as the District 5 school board member. The charges stemmed from several public records requests made by Pensacola mother Susan Watson. Watson claimed the delivery of the records was improperly delayed. Webb claimed she would not turn over the records because they contained confidential public records.
Webb was convicted in May of 1999. She was sentenced to 11 months and 15 days in jail, but all but 30 days of the sentenced were suspended. Ultimately, Webb served seven days in jail on the conviction. Florida Gov. Jeb Bush suspended Webb from the school board.
That conviction was tossed out in October, 1999, and Bush reinstated her to her school board seat. She held that seat until losing it in the 2000 primary election.
The charges against Webb were ultimately dropped in July 2003.
Webb cited the approximately $200,000 in legal fees as a reason for filing bankruptcy in 2001.
High School Senior Named As Atmore’s Citizen Of The Year
February 6, 2009
An Escambia County High School senior was named as Atmore’s Citizen of the Year Thursday night.
Ralph L. “Tray” Smith, III was named as Citizen of the Year at the annual Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce Meeting. Smith has served as an intern in the office of Alabama Gov. Bob Riley, served a page for U.S. Congressman Joe Bonner, was named an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Star, works as a columnist for The Atmore Advance, volunteers for numerous organizations and has received numerous other awards and accolades.
Pictured above: Tray Smith (right) was named Atmore’s Citizen of the Year Thursday night. He is pictured in this file photo holding a discussion with Alabama Gov. Bob Riley. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Gulf Power Gets Grant To Train Workforce
February 6, 2009
Florida’s Great Northwest, Inc. has awarded a $347,385 workforce training grant to Gulf Power Company.
The grant is part of the Workforce Innovation II Program, a component of Florida’s Great Northwest’s WIRED Northwest Florida Initiative. Gulf Power will match the grant with $900,442 of its own funds as it develops a renewable energy skills program that will provide training for at least 166 Gulf Power employees and 21 interns over the next 12 months.
The Workforce Innovation II Program is designed to create education and training activities that lead to new job creation or employee advancement in Florida’s Great Northwest’s four target technology-related industry clusters: Aviation, Aerospace, Defense & National Security; Health Science and Human Performance Enhancement; Renewable Energy and Environment; Transportation & Logistics Services; and the two critical support industries of Information Technology Services; and Research & Engineering.
“We believe during this global economic downturn that the citizens of Northwest Florida deserve some good news, and today’s grant announcement certainly represents good news,” said Al Wenstrand, President of Florida’s Great Northwest. “This represents a reinforcement of Florida’s Great Northwest’s and Gulf Power’s belief in the future of the region. Gulf Power’s ability to create innovative training programs that go beyond the boundaries of its employees to facilitate the development of an emerging Northwest Florida industry speaks volumes. Renewable energy, either for electric power or for biofuels as a method of reducing the nation’s dependency on foreign oil, is an exciting growth industry. Through activities such as announced today, Gulf Power is certainly demonstrating its leadership in developing the renewable energy industry as well as expressing its commitment to training its existing workforce for the jobs of tomorrow. Developing the renewable energy industry is part of Florida’s Great Northwest’s long-term strategy for creating a diversified and sustainable economy in Northwest Florida. A strong renewable energy strategy built around the region’s strengths and sound use of its resources is a central component for the region’s economic recovery. Today, both Gulf Power and Florida’s Great Northwest are demonstrating a strong commitment to our workforce and to the economic vitality of the region.”
“The concept behind the Workforce Innovation II Program is to address the mounting needs that exist for highly trained individuals in Northwest Florida’s high-tech, knowledge-based industries,” said Wenstrand. “Time and time again we hear businesses cite their number one concern as “a skilled workforce to meet their future employment requirements.” We believe that the organizations that are receiving the Workforce Innovation II grants will be able to implement innovative talent development programs to meet the region’s training needs.”
Gulf Power will be providing a match of $900,442 to the grant’s $347,385 to develop a two-part program. The first component addresses the training of existing workers and aims to transition their current skills to those required in the emerging renewable energy occupations. Gulf Power’s training programs funded through this grant will also be made available to outside individuals seeking similar skills. In the second program component, Gulf Power will be funding internships as a strategy to expand the availability of the energy workforce. This innovative, two-pronged approach will enhance Gulf Power’s existing employees’ knowledge base, as well as grow Northwest Florida’s future talent pool by providing training for those individuals currently in or seeking to enter the utility industry. Through the grant, Gulf Power anticipates training 166 existing workers and 21 interns.
Jennifer Grove, Workforce Development Coordinator for Gulf Power stated, “In a time of such change for the energy industry and economic strain for our economy, this WIRED Northwest Florida Initiative Innovation II grant from Florida’s Great Northwest will allow us to provide both cutting-edge training for existing Gulf Power employees and to grow future talent through internships in critical high-skill, high-wage positions in our company. This unique training approach will ensure that employees are poised to continue in a leadership capacity for this growing sector for Northwest Florida.”
Through the Workforce Innovation II Program, Florida’s Great Northwest is awarding a total of $962,426 to five Northwest Florida training providers with a grant match totaling $3,193,112 contributed by the awardees. The implementation of these programs will have a tremendous impact on the development of Northwest Florida’s workforce, will foster the growth of high-skill, high-wage jobs, and will support the development of the industries that will lead the region into a diversified and sustainable economy.
Eligibility for the grants was limited to Northwest Florida educational organizations or businesses in the targeted industries where instruction is conducted and jobs created in Northwest Florida. Qualifying jobs must meet the requirement of a wage of at least 125% of the regional average annual wage plus a defined benefits program. The individuals trained through the grant award must either be currently employed by a target industry employer in the region or be pursuing training for high-skill, high-wage target industry employment opportunities within Northwest Florida.
Florida’s Great Northwest provides regional leadership in economic and workforce development, serving 16 counties in Northwest Florida from Pensacola through Tallahassee. Its primary mission is the creation of a diversified and sustainable economy in Northwest Florida that creates nationally and globally competitive advantages for the development of key industry clusters, increases the income and prosperity of workers and families and preserves the region’s vibrant quality of life.
Florida’s Great Northwest is the administrator and facilitating organization for the U.S. Department of Labor WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development) Grant. Florida’s Great Northwest’s WIRED Northwest Florida Initiative, funded in part through the US Department of Labor, is designed to create high-wage, high-skill jobs within the region in the target industries of Aviation, Aerospace, Defense, and National Security; Life Sciences (Human Performance Enhancement, Medical Device Manufacturing, Medical Technologies, Health Services, and Biotechnology); Information Technology; Engineering; Renewable Energy and Environment; Transportation, Logistics, and Distribution; and Construction Products Manufacturing.
Pictured above: (L-R) Evon Emerson (Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce), Al Wenstrand (Florida’s Great Northwest), Sandy Sims (Gulf Power), Jennifer Grove (Gulf Power), Pam Tedesco (Florida’s Great Northwest), Susan Nelms (Workforce Escarosa), and Charles Wood (Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce). Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com.
Popular Barrineau Park Music Night Is Tonight
February 6, 2009
The free Barrineau Park Music night will be held tonight, featuring Sawgrass Revival and The Chapel Strings.
The groups will perform at 7:00 tonight at the Barrineau Park Community Center, three miles west of Molino on Barrineau Park School Road.
Food and refreshments will be available before the show from 5:00 until 7:00. The free music begins at 7:00.
The Barrineau Park Music night is a wholesome, family friendly environment. No alcohol is permitted on the property, and there is no smoking in or near the building.
For more information, call (850) 587-5575.
Pictured above (L-R): Chapel Strings during a July performance. Pictured are Bob Commings, Lynn Fillingim, Clint Fillingim, Tommy Fillingim, Al Frank, Emily Frank, Kathy Commings (hidden), Uncle Bill. File photo.
Commission Delays Action On George Touart Legal Bills After Complaint Filed By Walnut Hill Man
February 6, 2009
Former Escambia County Administrator George Touart will have to wait a month to find out if Escambia County will pay legal fees he incurred defending himself against an ethics complaint filed in part by a Walnut Hill man.
The Escambia County Commission voted Thursday night to postpone the decision until March 5 because Touart’s attorney, Mike Patterson of the law firm Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon, was unable to attend the meeting. The county attorney is recommending that the county deny Touart’s request.
After Touart resigned in September 2007, an ethics complain was filed against him by Preston Solomon of Walnut Hill and Michael Coonan of Pensacola. The complaint was dismissed by the state’s ethics commission.
The ethics complained alleged that Touart was linked to company that was contracted to remove post-hurricane debris in the county. There were also allegations that Touart’s wife was improperly hired by the county.
County Attorney Allison Rogers has recommended that the Escambia County Commission deny Touart’s request for $3,629.60.
“The defense of complaints filed by Preston Solomon and Michael Coonan with the State of Florida Commission on Ethics by former County Administrator George Touart does not meet either statutory or common law criteria for reimbursement of legal fees and costs by Mr. Touart,” Rogers says in a letter presented to commissioners.
Patterson has requested that the county pay $3,446 in legal fees and $183 in other costs for the firm’s representation of Touart in the ethics matter.
Free Women’s Health Fair; Session For Men Too With Bear Bryant’s Doctor
February 6, 2009
A free Women’s Health and Wellness Fair will be held Saturday in Atmore, and there is even an afternoon session for men too.
The event takes place Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Atmore First Assembly of God on South Main Street in Atmore.
The day begins with a free health screening for cholesterol, blood sugar, bone density, a fitness assessment and more. Fasting after midnight is required for the screenings; snacks will be provided for those fasting. The free free screenings will be available until 11:30 a.m.
Regina Worrell, a local physical therapist with Atmore Community Hospital along with her helpers, will be providing fitness assessment. Baptist Healthcare and the Escambia County Health Department will be providing the testing and screening.
Robbie Drummond, RPH, will provide s “A Light Hearted Look at Medicine” during a free lunch.
The afternoon sessions will be open to both men and women. Dr. Gaylon McCollough, founder of the McCollough Institute for Appearance and Health in Gulf Shores and one of American’s top Plastic Surgeons, will be the guest speaker.
McCollough was also an All-American Center for the 1964 University of Alabama championship team and was the personal physician for Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. He has just released his newest book, “The Long Shadow of Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant which offers an intimate look at the patriarch of the Alabama football family and his personal friend.
McCollough will be speaking on “Enhancing the Image in Your Mirror” offering information on heart health, skin care and alternatives to plastic surgery. He also will be discussing his
latest release and his other books. Dr. McCollough will be available after his session to sign his books which may be purchased the day of the Fair.
All of the day’s events are free. Interested persons can pre-register at the church from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday. For more information, contact the church office at (251) 368-4637; Ruth Harrell at (251) 296-5101 or Nancy Helton at (251) 655-6358.
EWMS Cheerleaders Headed To Orlando For National Finals
February 5, 2009
The Ernest Ward Middle School cheerleaders headed to Orlando Thurday to complete in the national cheerleading finals this weekend, and they have already made it to the final round.
The EWMS cheerleaders took first place in the Universal Cheerleaders Association West Florida Regional in November at Tate High School. Their score was so high that they automatically bypassed the preliminary rounds of competition Saturday in Orlando. The EWMS Golden Eagle cheerleaders were automatically advanced to Sunday’s final round.
There will be about 8,000 cheerleaders on 400 teams from 33 states will be participating in this year’s tournament. This is the first year the Ernest Ward cheerleaders have made the national finals.
NorthEscambia.com will keep you updated as often as possible during the weekend with reports from the Ernest Ward cheerleaders in Orlando.
Members of the squad at the West Florida Regional in November are, pictured above: (front row, L-R) Jessica Lowery, Hannah Gibson, Katelynne Calloway, Ali Martin, Ariel Holland, Mariah Albritton, (second row L-R) Lana Clayton, Morgan Ward, Raven Weaver, Reagan Bell, Angel Mitchell, Paeton Hadley, (back row L-R) Ashley Mooney and Madison Arrington. Not pictured: Coach Ashley Salter.NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
County Finalizes Land Swap For Bratt Park, Public Input Meeting Set
February 5, 2009
Escambia County has finalized a land swap that will bring a new community park to Bratt, and area residents are wasting no time in beginning to plan what they want to see done with the park.
The Escambia County Commission approved the land swap back in April, and there has been a “coming soon” sign on the property for months. But the deal just became final a few days ago.
The county traded 57 acres of mostly wetlands that county owned on Hanks Road for 13.19 acres at the corner of West Highway 4 and Bratt Road. The Highway 4 property was owned by Kale and Donna Schneider.
District 5 Commissioner Kevin White said that the new park had been a “long time coming”, with plans having been in the works for about 10 years.
“I think this is a great thing,” White recently told NorthEscambia.com. “A park in that area has been needed for a long time. This has been 10 years in the making.”
The land swap will end up costing the county only about $9,000. That will leave about $141,000 currently budgeted in White’s discretionary Local Option Sales Tax funds to develop that park. In the beginning, that money will pay for land improvements, playground equipment and a walking trail. Softball fields are part of the ultimate plan for the park, White said. The county’s budget crisis will not effect the funding for the park since funds will come from the local sales tax monies.
Area residents interested in the park are invited to attend a public meeting to be held at 6:30 next Thursday night, February 12 in the Fellowship Hall at the Shiloh Free Will Baptist Church at 5410 North Highway 99.
“It will be a great asset for the community, and we expect the private sector will get involved and help too,” White said. “It provides another park in the north part of the county that the other board members have supported since I have been here.”
The new park will be located along Highway 4 between Bratt First Baptist Church and Northview High School.
Pictured above: The site of a new county-owned park in Bratt is currently an open area with just a few very small trees. Pictured below: The aerial photo shows the placement of the new park. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Bicyclist Dies Days After Being Struck By Molino Driver
February 5, 2009
A unidentified bicyclist died Wednesday from injuries he suffered Monday night when he was hit by a pickup driven by a Molino resident.
The Florida Highway Patrol says the bicyclist was pronounced dead Wednesday at Baptist Hospital.
The accident happened at 7:24 Monday night on Highway 29 just north of Texar Drive in Pensacola. The FHP says a 1995 Chevrolet pickup driven by Tiffany L. Chance, 18, of Molino stuck a Hispanic male on a bicycle. The FHP has been unable to determine his identity.
Troopers say Chance was northbound on Highway 29 when the bicyclist pulled into her path. The front of Chance’s pickup struck the side of the bicycle, according to the FHP report.
The FHP is asking that anyone that might know the identity of the bicyclist call Trooper R. Streeter at 484-5000 ext. 346. The bicyclist was described as a Hispanic male, about 25 to 40 years old. He was riding a blue and silver “Next” brand bicycle with a metal basket on the handle bars. Troopers say the bicyclist was under the influence of alcohol.
Escambia Phony Cop Tries To Stop Another Woman
February 5, 2009
A phony cop has struck again in Escambia County, this time attempting to stop a woman on Palafox Street just north of Nine Mile Road.
The victim, a 29-year old female, told deputies that she was driving on Palafox Street north of Nine Mile Road when she met a white car, possibly a Crown Victoria, with a spotlight. The vehicle turned around and followed her, turning on a flashing light on the dash that was described as a having a purple tint.
The woman called 911 about 1 a.m.:
“There is someone being me with some lights on,” the woman told the 911 operator.
“I’m going down Palafox, but I’m not stopping if my tag is being runned in,” she said. “I’m not stopping.”
“OK, ma’am, what I need you to do is keep driving,” the dispatcher told the woman.
The car with the flash light turned off almost immediately after dispatchers alerted deputies in the area to the incident, possibly indicating that the police impersonator has a scanner in his car.
“You absolutely did the right thing. I wouldn’t pull over for anybody right now; not until we find this guy,” the dispatcher told the woman. She eventually drove to a well-lit gas station and stayed on the phone with the 911 operator until a deputy arrived.
This was the fourth reported incident since January 20 involving the phony cop, and each time he appears to be targeting women.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Department released a composite sketch of the suspect few days ago
He has been described as a white male in his 20’s or early 30’s. He is reportedly has dark bushy hair, a stocky build and is bout 6′2″ tall. He has a mole under his left eye.
The sketch was based upon information provided by a young female was sexually assaulted by the suspect on January 27 near I-110 and Brent Lane in Pensacola. The suspect was wearing some type of uniform with no name tag and a belt, according to reports, at the time of that assault. He was driving a white Ford Crown Victoria with a spotlight. He may have had the word “Sheriff” in green letters on the side of the car. Tuesday’s victim said he had a New England type accent.
On January 20, a young female was stopped a phony cop, possibly the same man, near Nine Mile Road and Beulah Road. She was not injured. A young University of West Florida student reported a man in a white sedan flashed blue lights at her on University Parkway on January 24.
If you have further information about this phony cop, call the Sheriff’s Office at 436-9630 or Crime Stoppers at 433-7867.