Keeping Score: No Murzin Bill Passes House
May 17, 2009
State Rep. Dave Murzin, whose district includes central and southwestern Escambia County, had no personally sponsored bills pass in the Florida Legislature during the last session.
Murzin has announced that he is running for the State Senate seat currently held by Durrell Peaden, Jr. who is unable to seek reelection due to term limits. State Rep. Greg Evers has announced his intent to seek the seat as well. For a look at Evers’ House record, click here.
He sponsored four bills, and all four died in committee:
- HB 493: Licensure of Nursing Homes and Related Health Care Facilities; Bill died in Elder & Family Services Policy Committee
- HB 495: Negligence — increasing burden of proof in slip and fall cases; Bill died in Criminal & Civil Justice Policy Council
- HB 1463: Civil Actions Against Insurers; Bill died in Insurance, Business & Financial Affairs Policy Committee
- HB 1513: Mail-In Secondhand Dealers of Jewelry and Precious Metals; Bill died in Insurance, Business & Financial Affairs Policy Committee
Murzin chairs the Economic Development & Community Affairs Policy Council. Five council bills passed, two failed and one was tabled:
Pass:
- HB 7091: Broadband Internet Service
- HB 7093: Pub. Rec./Telecommunications and Broadband Company Proprietary Business Information
- HB 7123: Military Base Closures
- HB 7125: Public Records/Public Meetings/Military Bases
- HB 7147: Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund
Fail:
- HB 7009: Public Transit, dealing with rail system timetable
- HB 7149: Elections; changes ID requirements and revises general provisions
Tabled
- HB 7147: Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund; changes amount subject to employer’s contribution
Pictured below: Murzin’s district.
Rain Today, Overnight Lows Around 50 Next Week
May 17, 2009
There is a 90 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms for your Sunday as a cold front moves into the area with cooler temperatures.
The rain chance tonight is at 50 percent. Rain will end after midnight, and winds will shift to the north with an overnight low of 53 by Monday morning.
Here is the rest of your National Weather Service Forecast:
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 53. North wind around 10 mph.
Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 77. Northeast wind between 10 and 15 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 50. Northeast wind around 10 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 80. Northeast wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 54. Northeast wind between 10 and 15 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 83. Northeast wind between 10 and 15 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Northeast wind between 10 and 15 mph.
NHS Tribal Beat Band Holds ‘Fun’ Awards Banquet
May 17, 2009
The Northview High School Tribal Beat Marching Band held its second annual NHS Band Banquet Saturday with an emphasis on fun.
The band’s second annual award, the Right Shoe Award, was presented to Justin Purvis (left), the person most improved in marching. Numerous other awards and gifts were presented to students, parents, volunteers and band boosters during the banquet at the Walnut Hill Community Center.
More “serious” band awards will be presented during award ceremonies at school during the next two weeks. But Saturday’s awards were all about fun, including such categories as “Most Like a Cartoon Character”, “Needs to Shave the Most” and “Biggest Flirt”.
Click here for a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the banquet.
The students voted the following award winners:
- Most Talented: Jake Carlson
- Cutest: Justin Purvis & Caitlyn Brown
- Shyest: Chelsea Parham
- Friendliest: Melissa Moretz and Lanie Eubanks
- Needs to Shave the Most: Jake Carlson, Seth Turner, Hayley Simpson
- Funniest: Wayne Marshall, Justin Purvis
- Most Like a Cartoon Character: Devon Dries
- Most Likely to have a Musical Career: Jake Carlson, Briana Halteman
- Most Likely Not to Show Up: David Ford, Danny Strobaegh
- Doesn’t Know Left Foot From Right Foot When Marching: Joseph Davis
- Mocks Mr. Tucker The Most: Justin Purvis
- Best Baton Twirler: Hayley Simpson
- Best Flag Twirler: Allison Spence
- Biggest Flirt: Allison Spence
- Spit Valve Fills the Quickest: Devon Dries
- Most Likely to Break Their Instrument: Lanie Eubanks
- Most Improved: Chelsea Parham
- Best at Marching: Briana Halteman
- Most Photogenic: Allie Bryan, Caitlyn Brown
- Best FSU Hair: Kolbi Cobb, Elizabeth Wright
- Most Spirit: Elizabeth Wright
- Most Fasionable: Wayne Marshall, Allie Bryan
- Most Unique Style: Wayne Marshall, David Ford
- Mr. Tucker’s Favorite: Colton Sims, Briana Halteman
- Mr. Wright’s Favorite: Elizabeth Wright
- Most Dependable: Briana Halteman, Lanie Eubanks
- Best Attitude: Melissa Moretz
- Forgot Their Black Socks Most: Devon Dries
- Made Most Pit Stops For: Devon Dries
- Best All Around: Briana Halteman
- Best Color Guard Choreographer: Allison Spence
- Daisy Dukes Award: Kolbi Cobb
- Most Theatrical Majorette: Hayley Simpson
- Prettiest and Cutest Smile: Caitlyn Brown, Lanie Eubanks
- Who Should be 2009-2010 Drum Major: Elizabeth Wright, Melissa Moretz, Colton Sims
- Who Should be 2009-2010 Assistant Drum Major: Elizabeth Wright, Melissa Moretz
- Seniors Who Will Be Missed the Most: Briana Halteman, Jake Carlson
Pictured above: NHS Tribal Beat members pose with some of their prizes. Pictured below: Seniors (L-R) Jake Carlson, Lanie Eubanks and Briana Halteman. Northescambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Camp Fire Celebrates One Year In Century
May 17, 2009
The Camp Fire USA Gulf Wind Council celebrated the first anniversary of the Century Early Learning Center Saturday.
“Camp Fire USA Gulf Wind Council is dedicated to providing quality learning experiences to the children in Century, said Tammy Byrer, Camp Fire USA program director. National, about 750,000 children and youth take part in Camp Fire programs annually.
For more information about Camp Fire programs, call Pam Townson, local director, at (850) 256-0953. The Century Early Learning Center is located at 6031 Industrial Boulevard in Century.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
NJROTC Cadets Honored
May 17, 2009
Several Northview and Escambia County High School NJROTC cadets were honored for their service Saturday morning at a service at the Atmore City Hall.
The cadets were honored by the Atmore Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts.
The NJROTC cadets honored were:
- VFW Medal for Military Excellence: Brett Rolin, NHS
- VFW Medal for Scholastic Excellence: Charles Lee, NHS
- American Legion Medal for Scholastic Excellence: Elliot Ross, NHS
- VFW Medal for Scholastic Excellence: Aaron Hamond, NHS
- American Legion Medal for Military Excellence: Charles Rolin, NHS
- American Legion Medal for Military Excellence: Leslie Smith, ECHS
- American Legion Medal for Scholastic Excellence: Michael McCurdy, ECHS
- VFW Medal for Military Excellence: Rickie Hartley, ECHS
For a photo gallery from Saturday’s ceremony and a preceding parade, click here.
Pictured above: Some of the NJROTC cadets honored Saturday morning in Atmore. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Keeping Score: Only One Greg Evers Bill Passes
May 16, 2009
State Rep. Greg Evers, whose district includes North Escambia, had just one personally sponsored bill that passed the Florida Legislature during the 2009 session.
Evers has announced that he is running for the State Senate seat currently held by Durrell Peaden, Jr. who is unable to seek re-election due to term limits. State Rep. Dave Murzin has announced his intent to seek the seat as well. For a look at Murzin’s House record, click here.
The only bill sponsored by Evers that passed the House was the bill to create an Escambia County government consolidation committee. Five of his other six bills died in committee, and one was withdrawn.
Here is the breakdown of Evers’ bills in the legislature this past session:
- HB 501: Early Learning — Transfer duties of early learning coalitions to the Agency for Workforce Innovation; Bill died in PreK-12 Policy Committee
- HB 923: Regulation of Hoisting Equipment Used in Construction, Demolition, or Excavation Work — Died in Military and Local Affairs Policy Committee
- HB 1345: Motor Vehicle Weights –Increase vehicle maximum gross weights up to 88,000 pounds; Withdrawn by Evers
- HB 1347: Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicle Parks; Imposed more restrictions on such; Died in Health Care Regulation Policy Committee
- HB 1429: North Okaloosa Fire District, Okaloosa County — Increase fees in district; Died in Military and Local Affairs Policy Committee
- HB 1499: Legislature — Require legislative committees to take an oath of truthfulness; Died in Governmental Affairs Policy Committee
Evers serves as chairman of the Roads, Bridges & Ports Policy Committee that had one bill tabled:
- CS/CS/HB 7029: Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles — Provides for implementation of litigation settlement; Tabled April 28.
Evers was co-sponsor on two bills, only one of which passed:
- CS/HB 515: Oil and Gas Production Taxes — Tax credits for oil producers in Florida; Passed
- CS/CS/HB 1161: Traffic Offenses — Impose penalties for non-criminal traffic infractions that cause serious injury or death; Died pending review.
Ever’s district includes north and central Escambia County, most of Santa Rosa County except for the coast, and a portion of northwest Okaloosa County.
Pictured below: Evers’ district.
Camp Fire Century Learning Center To Celebrate First Year
May 16, 2009
The Camp Fire USA Gulf Wind Council will celebrate the first anniversary of the Century Early Learning Center next today.
The entire community is welcome to take part in the celebration that will include a variety of events including games, activities like a bounce house for the children, and barbecue for sale.
“Camp Fire USA Gulf Wind Council is dedicated to providing quality learning experiences to the children in Century, said Tammy Byrer, Camp Fire USA program director. National, about 750,000 children and youth take part in Camp Fire programs annual.
The celebration event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m today.
For more information, call Pam Townson, local director, at (850) 256-0953.
The Century Early Learning Center is located at 6031 Industrial Boulevard in Century.
Master Gardener Day Today
May 16, 2009
The Escambia County Master Gardeners will host a Spring Garden Festival Vendor Day today from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Extension Office, 3740 Stefani Road in Cantonment.
Many local nurseries and businesses will showcase plants, garden accessories and other gardening-related items. Home gardeners will be able to purchase high quality plants from local sources. Master Gardeners will lead tours and answer questions.
Featured plants include Japanese maples, flowering trees, shrubs, perennials, tropicals, natives and hanging baskets.
Job Well Done: Northview Holds ESE Award Program
May 16, 2009
Northview High School held a special ESE awards ceremony Friday afternoon, honoring dozens of students for their hard work and accomplishments during the school year.
Click here for a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event.
Students honored included:
- Liberal Arts:
- Math Highest GPA — Dillon Vanderman
- Math Most Improved — James Shook
- Math Exceptional Student — Joseph Woods
- Environmental Science
- Highest Academic Award — Ariel Morris
- Social Studies
- Most Improved Student — Daniel Paul Williams
- Best Scholar — Chelsea Luckie
- Most Consistent Scholar — Quinton Pittman
- Most Congenial Scholar — Bessy Hollingsworth
- Most Respectful — Marquita Allen
- NJROTC
- Most Improved Student — Daniel Paul Williams
- Algebra 1-B
- Most Improved Students — Gary Shook and Tammie Brown
- English 9-12
- Highest GPA — Marquita Allen and Daniel Paul Williams
- One-Day Free Pass — Josh Watson
- Most Diligent — Keith Cota
- Math 9-12
- Best help — Cody Chance
- Highest GPA — Clarence Brown
- Most Improved — Aremando Elliott
- Reading
- 9th Grade — Shane Bonner and Austin Rolin
- 10th Grade — Tammie Brown
- 1st/2nd Period Most Improved — Andrew Giveans
- 3rd/4th Reading Best Work Ethic — Talisa Jackson
- 5th Period Most Improved — Precious Marshall
- 5th Period Most Improved Behavior — Lonnie Gardner
- OJT
- Most Outstanding OJT Student — Lisa Kuiper
- Most Outstanding OJT Student — Damon Williams
- Most Outstanding OJT — Willie Davis
- Most Outgoing — Andrew Giveans
- Best All Round Male OJT Student — Cody Chance
- Best All Round Female OJT Student — Raven Moore
- Most Successful OJT Student — John Handrop
- Most Successful OJT Student — Fred Smith
- Science
- Outstanding Students — Josh Watson and Quinton Pittman
USDA FSA Offers Produces Contract Extensions, Modifications
May 16, 2009
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will offer certain producers the opportunity to modify and extend their Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts that are scheduled to expire on Sept. 30, 2009.
USDA can only extend approximately 1.5 million acres out of a total 3.9 million acres expiring this year. This extension will ensure that FSA meets the statutory CRP acreage limitation of 32 million acres established in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.
“President Obama is committed to safeguarding the nation’s natural resources and this program will help protect millions of acres of American topsoil from erosion and enhance the quality of our water,” said Vilsack.
CRP is a voluntary program for agricultural landowners. CRP protects millions of acres of American topsoil from erosion and is designed to safeguard the Nation’s natural resources. Participants receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource conserving covers on eligible farmland.
A general CRP signup is not scheduled during fiscal year 2009. However, producers may continue to enroll relatively small, highly-desirable acreages, including land that is not extended, into Continuous CRP. Continuous CRP includes such practices as filter strips and riparian buffers.
FSA will notify participants by letter beginning May 6, 2009. The sign-up for this voluntary extension will begin on May 18 and run through June 30, 2009. Farmers and ranchers may apply for this extension at their FSA county office. FSA administers CRP on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation.
CRP contracts with the highest environmental benefit or with the highest potential for soil erosion will be selected. CRP contracts can not exceed 15 years in the aggregate and chosen CRP contract holders will generally be offered a three to five year extension.
Producers electing to extend their contract period will receive their current contract rental rate. All or a portion of the acreage under contract may be included in an extension, but no new acreage may be added.
Through CRP, FSA enters into long term (10-15 year) contracts with agricultural producers to protect highly erodible and other environmentally-sensitive land. Participants convert enrolled land to grass, trees, wildlife habitats and other conservation uses. The program has reduced soil erosion by over 400 million tons, protected over 2 million acres of wetlands and resulted in buffers established on over 100,000 miles of streams and rivers.
For more information about CRP and other FSA programs, please visit your county FSA office or http://www.fsa.usda.gov .