2009 In Pictures: January, February
December 28, 2009
All week, we’ll take a look back at 2009 through some of the thousands of photos we ran here on NorthEscambia.com. Today, we are featuring some of the best and most interesting photos from January and February.
This amazing photograph shows the moment Northview softball player Amber McMillan’s leg was broken in tournament game against Enterprise High School in Dothan, Alabama.
The driver of this pickup continued into the Piggly Wiggly parking lot in Davisville after rear-ending another pickup on Highway 97. The pickup stopped inside the buggy corral.
Fire destroyed a compact track loader in Davisville.
Several large control burns around the North Escambia area darkened the sun.
A driver plowed through a Walnut Hill cemetery after trying to miss a deer on Highway 97.
A fiery crash in Flomaton claimed the lives of two men in Flomaton, and three others were critically injured. Flomaton Police Dispatcher Donna Filmore was credited with saving the lives of those that survived by pulling them from the burning wreckage at Highway 113 and Highway 31.
Firefighters work outside of a grain silo in Walnut Hill where a man was trapped for nearly three hours. The man was rescued uninjured by an Esambia Fire Rescue Special Operations team and area firefighters.
Jared Jeter poses for a glamour shot photo at Byrneville Elementary as admiring fans look on. The photos were part of a Hollywood reading night at the school.
Emergency workers use the Jaws of Life to free the driver of this car on Highway 29 south of Molino. The AIRHeart One helicopter can be seen in the background waiting to transport the patient.
A firefighter from the Walnut Hill station of Escambia Fire-Rescue works to contain a brush fire on Arthur Brown Road just west of Pine Forest Road.
Amber Holland was named Miss Northview High School.
Participants in a Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration join hands while singing “We Shall Overcome”.
Three Northview High School cheerleaders were injured in this crash.
A firefighter watches a control burn.
Ashley Cunningham is crowned Junior Miss Ernest Ward Middle School by 2008’s winner Angel Mitchell.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Year In Review North Escambia’s Biggest Stories Of 2009: January
December 28, 2009
NorthEscambia.com is looking back at 2009 with our “Year in Review” series. Each day, we will review the biggest stories of 2008. Today, we take a look at the biggest stories of January 2009.
At their first meeting of the year, the Town of Century voted to spend $478 on a lawyer to determine if they should collect a $629 sewer bill from an elderly resident. The woman, according to the council, had not paid for sewer service since 1999.
A new top cop took office in Escambia County. David Morgan was sworn in before a standing room only crowd.
Firefighters from Century and McDavid were call to Milton to help control a massive fire that destroyed almost an entire city block of the town’s historic district.
The Town of Century withdrew its support for a plan to consolidate Century, Pensacola and Escambia County under one unified government, with council members saying that they were misled by the group Escambia All For One. In December 2008, the Century Town Council approved a resolution identical to resolutions passed recently by Escambia County and the City of Pensacola that simply says that Century supports moving forward in exploring the governmental consolidation sought by Escambia All For One. But the council rescinded that resolution on a recommendation from Mayor Freddie McCall.
Ashely Cunningham was named Miss Ernest Ward Middle School. Other award winners were Clarissa Ross, 1st runner-up; Ariel Holland, 2nd runner-up, and poise and appearance, and Miss Hospitality; Savanna VanderPol, 3rd runner-up; Cheyenne Godwin, physical fitness, and Miss Congeniality.
ECUA took over residential trash collection in North Escambia, but not without their share of problems. A large number of people were unable to recycle as promised when pickups were dropped from twice per week to once. ECUA had great difficulty in getting the recycling cans delivered in a timely fashion.
Christopher Patterson of Molino was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the death of his one year old daughter Ali Jean Paterson in late September, 2006. Ali Jean Paterson died on November 26, 2006, from burns she received two weeks earlier when she was left unattended in a hot bath, according to authorities.
It was announced that thee days of Alabama students attending school in Escambia County, Florida schools were coming to and end, and students from Escambia, Florida, including those from the closing Carver/Century K-8 School, will not be allowed to attend school in Alabama. Escambia County, Alabama, rescinded an agreement from the two Escambia, ending an even student for student exchange.
A federal judge issued preliminary injunction against any policy or practice that promotes prayer or religion in the Santa Rosa County School District. The ACLU requested documents concerning prayer from Escambia County Schools.
Escambia Commissioners began to talk about raising the gas tax in the county to fund ECAT and other public transportation options.
New football districts were announced in Florida, with Northview dropping back to District 1A with Jay High School.
On Election Day, we elected the nation’s first black president, In North Escambia, 6,311 people voted for John McCain while 2,202 voted for Barack Obama.
People gathered across North Escambia to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with parades and programs, including a large gathering in Century.
Despite passionate pleas from several Century residents, the Escambia County School Board’s ax fell on Carver/Century K-8 school as the board vote to redistrict all of the student out of the school to Bratt Elementary and Ernest Ward Middle schools. A NorthEscambia.com investigation found that most students that lived in the Carver/Century district did not attend the school, taking advantage of the fact that the school did not meet Adequate Yearly Progress in order to transfer to a neighboring school.
Modular classrooms totaling $1 million were announced for Bratt Elementary and Ernest Ward Middle schools. The classrooms were to provide extra space for the Carver/Century students being redistricting to the schools in the fall.
Northview senior Amber Holland was named as the new Miss Northview High School. First Runner Up was Sarah Killam, a sophomore. Second Runner Up was Katie Mann, also a sophomore.
Legendary football coach Carl Madison returned to sidelines as the offensive coordinator for the Tate Aggies. From his first coaching job at Ernest Ward High School at age 26, Madison went on to become one of America’s most winning coaches. Madison, age 77, was 326-129-7 over a 45 year coaching career, making him number two on Florida’s all-time coaching victories list and in the top 30 in the entire nation.
Production came to a halt at the Jay Oil Field, costing about 30 employees their job less than a month after Christmas. The nation’s poor financial state and a drop in oil prices were to blame.
The local legislative delegation put their stamp of approval on a bill that would create a 25-member commission to draft a consolidated government proposal. The consolidation would roll Escambia County, Century and Pensacola governments into one. The group supporting consolidation, Escambia All For One, held a meeting in Walnut Hill to talk about their plan. No one attended.
It was practice, practice for the Ernest Ward Middle School cheerleaders as they prepared to compete for a national championship in Orlando.
The Town of Century voted to return code enforcement to the town, agreeing to allow Escambia County provide the service. Code officers promised to be proactive and not complaint driven.
People were on the lookout for a phony cop pulling people over in Escambia County. He was never arrested.
Century was still holding onto a thread of hope for an electric car manufacturing plant, but more tax liens against the developers of the project surfaced
January was time to dig out the birth certificates and think about spring — it was ball registration time in Century, Molino and Walnut Hill.
In late January, the state ethics commission found that former Mayor Evelyn Hammond misused her position and recommended a $3,000 fine. Hammond used her position to retaliate against Century Little League and its president, Dabney Longhorne, when that organization failed to hire her son as chief umpire, according to the ethics commission findings.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
School Audits: North Escambia Schools OK
December 28, 2009
Internal audits conducted at several North Escambia schools found that all of the audited accounts balanced. At some schools, the audits on internal accounts showed some minor paperwork problems.
Each year, the Escambia County School District conducts limited audits on the internal accounts at each school in the county, while a percentage of schools receive full audits on internal accounts. The internal accounts represent monies that are controlled and dispersed at the school level.
A full audit at Northview High School found no problems whatsoever with an internal account that had a balance of $129,775.28.
At Molino Park Elementary School, an audit of an account with a $22,017.01 balance was found to balance with no discrepancies. The audit did find that $2,987.9 was spent out of the account when the funds could have been spent out of school district money. The school is seeking reimbursement from the county and is working to ensure that they spend district budgeted funds prior to spending internal account funds, according to a letter from Principal Alice Woodward.
An audit on an account that was held by Carver/Century K-8 School prior to it’s closure found that the account balanced. But the audit did find that proper procedures were not followed regarding fund raising activities. A “Fundraising Request/Reconciliation Form” was not completed, according to the audit.
At Jim Allen Elementary School, an internal account with a balance of $4,496.18, was found to balance, but an procedural audit found minor mistakes being made by school staff related to school finances. Four of 12 disbursements tested revealed purchases were made prior to approval of the principal of designee, according to the audit report. The school reported the discrepancy was a paperwork error. The audit also found that proper wording was not used on school field trip letters; the letters were required to indicate that a child would still be able to participate if they were unable to pay. There was also a problem found with deposits that did not indicate if items were checks or cash. The school is working to correct the mistakes in the future.
At Ransom Middle School, an account with a $94,173.68 balance was found to reconcile. Like Molino Park Elementary, it was found that Ransom spent $2,554.43 on expenses that should have been paid by the county school district. The school is working to seek reimbursement of the funds from the county.
Cold Nights Ahead
December 28, 2009
We are in for a freezing night in North Escambia, and Tuesday will be another cool, sunny day. By Wednesday, rain will return to our forecast, but the rain will clear by the start of 2010.Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Clear, with a low around 25. North wind around 5 mph.
- Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 55. Wind chill values between 20 and 30 early. North wind around 5 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. East wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 57. East wind between 5 and 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Wednesday Night: Showers. Low around 48. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
- Thursday: A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. West wind around 5 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
- Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of rain before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- New Year’s Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. North wind around 10 mph.
- Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 23. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 53.
- Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 24.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 54.
- Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 23.
- Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 54.
Pcola Ice Flyers Powerplay Their Way To 3-1 Win
December 28, 2009
The Pensacola Ice Flyers used powerplays effectively to defeat the IceGators 3-1 Sunday night in Pensacola. Though Louisiana scored first, Pensacola rallied back with goals from Lorne Misita, Dan Buccella, and Kevin Kozlowski to take the lead. Ryan Scott turned away 33 of 34 shots to preserve the Ice Flyers victory.
Paul McBrian needed only a minute and five seconds to give the IceGators the first lead of the game. Nicholas Bydal and Nick Pernula were credited with assists after shots ricocheted off Ryan Scott and stayed dangerously close to the crease. Bydal was able to finish the job and Louisiana took a 1-0 lead. However, Pensacola answered back seven minutes later.
The Ice Flyers were shorthanded 8:09 into the first period when Lorne Misita found some room to skate. He pulled a deke by the right face-off circle and then fired a shot past AJ Bucchino to tie the game at one. The goal was Misita’s third shorthanded goal of the year and extended his league lead in the category. Louisiana would threaten towards the end of the first period, but Ryan Scott thwarted the attack and the game was tied at the first intermission.
The score was locked at one apiece late into the second period as well. Three powerplays came and went for both teams before Dan Buccella struck for a Pensacola powerplay goal at 19:28. Buccella’s goal against his former team came after a Mark Hinz shot from the high slot that was deflected into right-side of the net. Both Hinz and Rebernik earned assists for setting up the go-ahead goal. The goal was the fifty-fourth powerplay goal allowed by Louisiana this year, the most in the league.
Powerplays proved to be positive for Pensacola again in the third period. Kevin Kozlowski made the most of a 5-3 advantage and scored his first goal as an Ice Flyer to give Pensacola a 3-1 lead at 16:30. The final three and a half minutes ticked off with Ryan Scott turning away all the IceGators shots to preserve the lead and claim the win.
Pensacola improves to 11-10 on the year while Louisiana drops to 7-18. The Ice Flyers return to the Hangar on January 2 when they face the Columbus Cottonmouths at 7:05 p.m. Fans won’t want to miss the game because one lucky fan will win $2,500 if the attendance is over 4,000.
Ice Flyers tickets start at just $10 for individuals, and as low as $8 for groups of ten or more. To take advantage of group pricing, call the Ice Flyers at (850) 466-3111 or email jeff@pensacolaiceflyers.com. Individual tickets can be purchased online via ticketmaster.com, or in person at the Civic Center Box Office, located at 201 East Gregory Street in Pensacola.
Recycle Your Tree: Put It Out With The Trash, Or Drop It Off
December 28, 2009
You can recycle your Christmas tree in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties.
In Escambia County:
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) will pick up Christmas trees from customers for free with the regular collection of yard waste.
Customers are asked to remove all decorations from their trees and cut the trees so that no portion is longer than six feet. Trees can be placed at the curb with other yard trash, and should not be placed in the regular garbage container.
Three sites are also available for customers who prefer to drop off their live trees. The drop off sites are at:
- Ellyson Industrial Park, on Sturdevant Street
- ECUA Sanitation Complex, at 3050 Godwin Lane, just east of Pine Forest Road
- one-half mile north of Lillian Highway, on Blue Angel Parkway
Christmas tree collection at drop off sites and curbside will continue until January 15. For more information, contact ECUA customer service at (850) 476-0480.
In Santa Rosa County:
Trees can be disposed of at five recycling areas through February 28:
- Jay Transfer Station on Transfer Station Road in Jay.
- Quintette recycle area at the Five Points Intersection in Pace.
- Gulf Power recycle area on East Spencer Field Road in Pace.
- Clean Community System on Park Avenue in Milton.
- Tiger Point recreation area in Gulf Breeze.
Trees should be placed in the designated areas identified by signage, not in front of the recycling containers.
Property Tax Discount Ends Thursday
December 28, 2009
If you want a three percent discount when paying your Escambia County real estate and tangible personal property taxes, you must make your payment by December 31.
All four tax collector offices will be open normal business hours on Thursday, December 31, according to Escambia County Tax Collector Janet Holley.
In order to receive the three discount and have your tax payment posted with a December date, payment must be:
- received in the tax collector’s office by close of business December 31;
- made on the tax collector’s web site by midnight December 31; or
- made on the after-hours automated telephone (800) 601-1055 by midnight December 31.
In addition, payments mailed with a December 31 postmark or left in the tax collector’s 24‑hour drop boxes after hours on December 31 will receive the three discount but will be dated in January.
You may check the status of your taxes and pay online at www.escambiataxcollector.com. If you have any questions, call the tax collector’s office at 438-6500, ext. 252. (TTY users for the hearing impaired call 850-472-0031.)
Three Winning Lottery Tickets Sold In Century, Pensacola
December 27, 2009
Three of six winning tickets in the Christmas Day “Fantasy 5″ drawing were sold in Escambia County. Each of the winning tickets is worth $27,843.32.
One of the winning tickets was purchased in Century at Moye’s Stateline Food Mart on North Century Boulevard, and two were purchased at the E-Z Save on Pensacola Boulevard in Pensacola, according to state lottery officials. Other winning tickets were sold in Niceville, Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville.
There were 565 tickets with four of five numbers worth $47.50 each, and 11,064 tickets had three matching numbers for $6.50 each. Two of five numbers were correct on 83,653 tickets for a free Quick Pick ticket.
The winning numbers were 3-7-9-15-21.
Flood Warning Extended For Escambia River
December 27, 2009
(Updated 9 a.m. Sunday) The Flood Warning continues for the Escambia River near Century until further notice. At 9 a.m. Sunday the stage was 19.0 feet.
Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. The flood stage is 17.0 feet.
The river will continue to slowly fall but will remain above flood stage into Friday.
Man Stabbed Early Sunday Morning; Another Man Jailed
December 27, 2009
One person was reported stabbed early Sunday morning in Century, and another man was jailed in connection with the incident.
Emergency workers were called to Odom’s Bar at 9520 North Century Boulevard about 12:10 a.m. for a 24-year old Flomaton man that was reported to be stabbed. Reports indicate the victim was stabbed nearby on Ivey Street and walked to the bar for help. The victim was transported by ambulance to Jay Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries.
Dusean Labradford Phifer, 20, Century, was arrested and charged with felony aggravated battery and charged with being involved in an affray, riot or unlawful assembly. He is being held in the Escambia County Jail on $5,250 bond.
Phifer told deputies that the fight started because the victim had been harassing Phifer’s female cousin. Deputies are seeking a battery and affray warrant for the victim’s arrest in the case.
Pictured: The Escambia County Jail booking photo of Desean Labradford Phifer from early Sunday morning. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.