Deadline Near For Consolidation Plan; Chance For Public Input
February 19, 2010
The local legislative delegation will listen to the public and then vote Monday whether to submit an Escambia County Consolidation Study Commission bill to the full Legislature.
If approved by the legislative delegation, the proposed consolidation of the governments of Pensacola, Century and Escambia County will be up for a public vote in November.
All three local governments are opposed to the plan — the Pensacola City Council vote for support failed, the Escambia County Commission recently voted to ask the legislature to delay any vote on consolidation until at least 2012, and the Town of Century withdrew all support for the plan early last year.
The legislative delegation will hold a public forum Monday at 5:30 at the WSRE-TV studios at Pensacola Junior College on College Boulevard. The public is invited to attend and speak.
Supporters and opponents of the plan are asking the public to express their views on the plan to each member of the legislative delegation. Contact information for each is below.
Rep. Clay Ford – District 3, Legislative Delegation chair
clay.ford@myfloridahouse.gov
Capitol Office: (850) 488-0895
Local Office: (850) 595-5550
Rep. Greg Evers — District 1
greg.evers@myfloridahouse.gov
Capitol Office: (850) 488-8188
Local Office: (850) 983-5550
Rep. Dave Murzin – District 2
dave.murzin@myfloridahouse.gov
Capitol Office: (850) 488-8278
Local Office: (850) 494-7330
Sen. Durell Peaden — District 2
peaden.durell.web@flsenate.gov
Capitol Office: (850) 487-5000
Local Office: (850) 484-9898
Sen. Don Gaetz — District 4
gaetz.don.web@flsenate.gov
Capitol Office: (850) 487-5009
Local Office: (850) 897-5747
Landfill Gas Will Power Over 900 Escambia Homes
February 19, 2010
A partnership between Gulf Power and Escambia County will produce enough renewable energy at Perdido Landfill to power more than 900 homes.
A groundbreaking is set for Wednesday to kick off construction of Gulf Power’s landfill gas-to-energy facility, which is scheduled to start operation in June.
Initially, landfill gas generators will produce 3,200 kilowatts of renewable energy — enough to power more than 900 homes. The energy capacity can be increased as the landfill produces more methane in the future.
“This partnership with Escambia County will produce tremendous benefits for our community — as well as educational opportunities for our schoolchildren,” said Sandy Sims, manager of Gulf Power Public Affairs. “Together, we will eliminate a source of greenhouse gas by capturing and using the methane that is already escaping into the atmosphere. We can produce renewable electricity that will benefit Gulf Power customers and create revenue for Escambia County.”
Gulf Power has a contract with Escambia County for the purchase of landfill gas and with LFG Technologies Development to build and operate the landfill gas-to-energy facility.
Landfill methane gas is one of the most cost-effective forms of renewable energy, forming naturally by decomposition of organic material in landfills. Municipal solid waste landfills are the second largest human-generated source of methane emissions in the United States. Escambia County has a collection system in place and currently flares the gas as required by regulations.
LFG Technologies has built and operated more than 125,000 kilowatts of landfill gas facilities in the U.S. The brick facility will house two Caterpillar generators specially designed to burn landfill methane gas.
Once the facility begins operation, educational tours will be available for school groups and the community.
Charges Dropped Against McDavid Man Accused Of Fighting With Ex Over Baby
February 19, 2010
Charges have been dropped against a McDavid man after he allegedly got into a fight with his ex-girlfriend over their baby.
Keith Dale Walker, 28, was jailed January 22 on a battery domestic violence charge, but the victim in the case did not want him prosecuted, according to the State Attorney’s office.
The victim, Walker’s ex-girlfriend, told deputies that she was asleep in her room when Walker grabbed the four-month old baby out of her arms. She said Walker slapped her across the face multiple times. Fearing that Walker would not return the baby, the victim said she called 911.
Walker admitted to Deputy James Gilman that the two did argue over the baby, but he denied that there was ever any physical contact. Gilman wrote in his report that one side of the victim’s face was redder than the other, but that there was no distinct hand print.
Sheriff’s Office Releases More Info On Cantonment Fabricated Shooting Arrest
February 19, 2010
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has released more information about the Cantonment man that reported multiple times that someone had been shooting at his home when deputies say he made it all up.
John Horace Bryant, 33, was arrested Tuesday on two child cruelty charges for a shooting the teenager in the leg as part of what deputies say was a fabricated story designed to frame his ex-wife.
The charges stem from an incident where a 17-year old juvenile was shot with birdshot in the left during hte early morning hours of January 4 on Sundance Lane in Cantonment.
“Subsequent investigations revealed that Bryant had directed a 16-year old to shoot the other juvenile with a shotgun taken from Bryant’s house,” said Sgt. Ted Roy, sheriff’s office spokesperson. “The actual shooting victim believed he had been shot by Jennifer Bryant due to the statements made to hime by John Braynt.” Jennifer Bryant is John Bryant’s ex-wife.
In a televised report, Bryant said that someone had shot at his Sundance Lane home or his truck on at least eight different occasions in the past couple of months. IBryant even showed the reporter the bullet holes in his truck. The Cantonment man had also filed several police reports on the alleged shootings.
Braynt was arrested earlier this month and charged with aggravated stalking and obstruction of justice for making up the shooting stories in an attempt to frame his ex-wife. He remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Northview High School Track Results
February 19, 2010
Northview High School opened their track season Thursday with a meet in Bratt against Pensacola Catholic and J.U. Blacksher high schools.
Here are the results from that meet:
Girls Overall Team Placement:
- Catholic High School 78 points
- Northview 41 points
- Blacksher 19 points
Boys Overall Team Placement:
- Catholic High School 76 points
- Northview 55 points
- Blacksher 25 points
Girls Shot
- J. Ferguson (CHS) 29’ 7 ¼”
- L. Mims (BHS) 27’ 4 ¾”
- T. Syria (NHS) 23’ 4 ½”
- C . Ikner (BHS) 21’ 7 ½”
Boys Shot
- B. Knight (NHS) 35’ 3 ¾”
- R. Bethune (CHS) 34’ 6 ¾”
- M. Moore (NHS) 34’ ¾”
- C. Hare (NHS) 34’1 ½”
Girls Discus
- J. Ferguson (CHS) 78’ 5”
- Coley (BHS) 65’ 10”
- Laquinta (BHS) 50’ 3”
- T. Knight (NHS) 49’ 4”
Boys Discus
- Morris (NHS) 103’8”
- Hare(NHS) 103’4”
- Pierce (NHS) 98’3”
- Moore (NHS) 94’7”
Girls Long Jump
- L. Gomez (NHS) 13’½ ”
- J Ferguson (CHS) 12’5 ½”
- L. Cloud (NHS) 11’11”
- H. Fiellin (NHS) 10’ 9”
Boys Long Jump
- M. Williams (BHS) 17’2”
- W. Dean (BHS) 17
- Mitchell (NHS) 16’4”
Girls Triple Jump
- L. Gomez (NHS) 28’10”
- L. Cloud (NHS) 24’9”
Boys Triple Jump
- J. Gibson (NHS) 34’9 ½”
Girls High Jump
- J. Ferguson (CHS)
- L. Gomez (NHS)
Boys High Jump
- W. Dean (BHS)
- W. Taylor (BHS)
- G. Johnson (CHS)
110 M. Hurdles Boys
- J. Jackson (NHS)
- J. Sinkfield (CHS)
100 M Girls
- M. McCluskey (CHS) 12.94
- A. Mitchell (NHS) 13.46
- B. Dean (BHS) 13.50
- J. Ferguson (CHS) 13.97
100 M Boys
- M. Sumler (CHS) 9.63
- M. Williams (BHS) 11.02
- J. Brockman (CHS) 11.39
- M. Mithchell (NHS) 11.74
Girls 1600 M
- A. Farr (CHS) 6:26
- B. Ehlers (CHS) 7:36
Boys 1600 M
- M.-H. Walker (CHS) 5:13
- T. Robinson (CHS) 5:20
- A. Lambert (NHS) 5:43
- J. Nettles (BHS) 6:54
Girls 400 M
- B. Sander (CHS) 1:15:07
- G. Geotter (NHS) 1:15:54
- S. Camp (BHS) 1:15:81
- B. Ballette (CHS) 1:20:65
Boys 400 M
- D. Meyers (CHS) 55:69
- D. Porter (NHS) 1:00:47
- J. Brockman (CHS) 1:01:90
- A. Albritton (NHS) 1:02:60
Girls 300 Hurdles
- A. Harbour (CHS) 1:13:12
Boys 300 Hurdles
- J. Sink field (CHS) 49.34
- J. Gibson (NHS) 51.12
- J. Kennedy (CHS) 51.34
- T. Walker (NHS) 51.41
Girls 800 M
- R. Farr (CHS) 2:50:47
- G. Goetter (NHS) 3:14:82
- O. Johnson (BHS) 3:25:47
- S. Camp (BHS) 3:30:27
Boys 800 M
- D. Nelson (CHS) 2:20
- W.Dean (BHS) 2:24
- C. Stuckey (BHS) 2:27
- L. Powell (CHS) 2:28
Girls 200 M
- B. Castro (CHS) 28:32
- B. Dean (BHS) 29:22
- N. Shimmick (CHS) 30:73
- A. Mitchell (NHS) 31:79
Boys 200 M
- M. Sumler (CHS) 23:63
- S. Smiley (CHS) 24:53
- N. Ptacek (CHS) 24:96
- A. Silcox (BHS) 26:78
Girls 3200 M
- E. Hill (CHS) 14:59
- A. Hill (CHS) 15:53
Boys 3200 M
- A. Ricketts (CHS) 11:39
- D. Engel (CHS) 12:18
Girls 800 Relay
- Catholic 11:59
- Nothview 14:43
Boys 800 Relay
- Catholic 9:49
- Northview 11:32
Girls 100 Relay
- Catholic 58:59
- Northview 59:00
Boys 100 Relay
- Catholic 47:50
- Northview 49:22
Girls 400 Relay
- Catholic 5:10:38
- Northview 5:33:88
Boys 400 Relay
- Catholic 4:04:32
Northview 4:24:56
Special thanks to Northview Girls Coach Natalie Nall for compiling these results for NorthEscambia.com.
Surveillance Images Released In Medical Records Theft
February 19, 2010
Pensacola Police have released surveillance images of a suspect they believe is responsible for stealing a computer used to process ultrasound images for Cardiology Consultants, potentially exposing thousands of medical records — many belonging to North Escambia residents.
As we reported Thursday, the computer was stolen December 19, and the group said they become aware of the theft on December 21 and and immediately began a thorough investigation with authorities.
The computer contained the first and last names, dates of birth, medical record numbers, exam dates and in some cases, the reason for the ultrasound for about 8,000 patients.
Pensacola Police Department Detective Chad Willhite said video surveillance shows a man using a security coded keypad to enter the office area on December 19. The man, who was pushing a large gray rolling container, can be seen leaving the office in under two minutes. A short time later he is seen removing an item from the container and placing it into the trunk of a car.
The suspect is a white male in his mid to late 40’s, approximately 5 feet 10 to 6 feet, medium build, with collar length gray wavy hair. He was wearing a gray or white sweatshirt, blue jeans and blue surgical gloves.
Willhite said the car was a 2000 to 2006 four-door Nissan Altima or similar model.
Anyone having information on the incident is asked to contact Detective Chad Willhite at (850) 435-1981 or the Pensacola Police Department at (850) 435-1900.
For more information about the patient records and what patients should do, click here.
Pictured above: The suspect is the theft of a computer containing medical records of about 8,000 people. Pictured below: The car believed to have been used in the theft. Courtesy Pensacola Police for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Beats Fort Walton 62-58 In Regional Quarterfinals
February 19, 2010
Tate beat the Fort Walton Beach Vikings 62-58 Thursday night for a Region 1-5A quarterfinals win, the first for the Aggies since 2002.
The Aggies (20-8) were down by a point with 13 seconds on the clock when Shermone Jones hit a three-pointer to put Tate up 60-58. Fort Walton missed and fouled, putting Dylan Anderson on the free throw line. Two good shots, and the Aggies had their big win.
At the end of the half, the Aggies were down 26-23. But they can came out shooting in the third quarter, outscoring Fort Walton 21-10 for a 44-36 headed into the fourth.
Tate — Dylan Anderson 19, Shermone Jones 14, Petey Jones 5, Chris Walden 11, Kevin Brown 11, Adam Stump 2.
Tate 12 23 44 62-62 FWB 13 26 36 58-58
Our Local Health: Escambia, FL
February 19, 2010
A study released this week by the University of Wisconsin showed Escambia County to be one of the unhealthiest counties in Florida.
In “health outcomes” which is determined by morbidity and mortality rates, Escambia (Fla.) ranked number 47 of 67 counties in the state. In the four areas that determine “health factors” Escambia County (Fla.) ranked 43 of 67.
As part of our continuing series “Our Local Health: North Escambia Area”, we take a look today at the risk factors and lifestyles that led to Escambia’s poor health report card.
Health Outcomes
- The number of premature deaths in Escambia County is higher than the state average.
- 17% of population in poor or fair health. Florida: 16%
- 3.5 days of a 30 day period was a sick day. Florida: 3.5
- 3.8 days of the last 30 was a poor mental health day. Florida: 2.8
- 10% of babies had a low birth weight. Florida: 7%
Heath Factors
- 25% of adults smoke. Florida: 18%
- 29% of adults are obese. Florida: 21%
- 15% binge drink. Florida: 8%
- 18 people for every 100,000 die in a traffic crash. Florida: 16
- Chlamydia rage is 552 per 100,000 people. Florida: 318
- Birth rate is 52 of 1,000 teen girls. Florida: 46
Clinical Care
- 19% of adults are uninsured. Florida: 24%
- 119 preventable hospital stays out of 1,000. Florida 69
- Diabetic screening rate 82%. Florida: 80%
- Hospice use is 47%. Florida: 44%
Social & Economic Factors
- 58% high school graduation rate. Florida: 64%
- 23% have college degrees. Florida: 25%
- 23% of children in poverty. Florida 17%
- 10% single parent households. Florida 9%
- 807 violent crimes per 100,000 population. Florida: 714
Physical Environment
- 7 air pollution days per year. Florida: 4
- 13 ozone pollution days per year. Florida: 2
- 40% have access to healthy foods. Florida: 50%
- 0.5 liquor stores per 10,000 people. Florida: 0.7
Each day through Sunday, NorthEscambia.com will investigate our health. We’ll take a detailed look at what is healthy about our three county area, plus we’ll look at the dirty little health secrets of our residents like smoking, binge drinking, obesity and violent crime. Join us each day through Sunday for our special series “Our Local Health: North Escambia Area”.
James Thorn Doty, Jr.
February 18, 2010
James Thorn Doty, Jr., best known to many as “Doty”, passed away on February 9, 2010 in Pensacola, FL at the age of 87. Doty was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1922 in Millersburg, KY. His parents were the late James Thorn Doty, Sr. and Esther Tarr Doty Brown. He enlisted in the Navy at the beginning of World War II. After boot camp at Great Lakes, IL, he was stationed aboard NAS Ellyson Field where he met and married Eva Wilson on February 3, 1944. Eva and Doty would remain in the Pensacola area and raise their family. Eva preceded Doty in death on March 23, 2009. Doty began his career in brick sales with Cary and Company in 1948 where he remained until their closure. This natural born salesman would continue to impact Pensacola’s look and feel for many more years working for Jenkins Brick Sales until he retired.
Doty’s Kentucky childhood would instill a lifelong love of horses and fishing. He could often be found working with his latest Tennessee Walking Horse at a local barn or attending the annual Walking Horse Celebration in Shelbyville, TN with his dad. After retiring, he spent many hours at the stockyards enjoying the moment and never meeting a stranger. When he wasn’t horsing around, Doty was spending time with his wife and grandchildren at a nearby pond baiting hooks and laughing at their latest antics.
He is survived by his brother, Layson Tarr (Joyce) Doty of Lake Placid, FL; daughter, Mickey (Dick) Tener of Cantonment, FL; son, Alex Doty of Dothan, AL; five grandchildren Rich Tener, Katie Tener, James Alex Doty, Jr., Jared Doty, Kayla Doty; one great-granddaughter, Katelyn Tener; and numerous other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held at Faith Chapel North on Friday, February 12, 2010 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. He will be laid to rest in Wallace, AL beside his beloved wife of 65 years.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the wonderful and caring staff at Southern Oaks Nursing Home and Covenant Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Covenant Hospice, 5041N. 12th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32504.
Celia Dugger
February 18, 2010
Celia Dugger, born March 14, 1922 in Flomaton, AL, passed away Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at home surrounded by her family.
Celia and her husband were the former owners and operators of Pioneer Sand Company and Saufley Landfill. She is preceded in death by her husband, Walter Dugger; son, James Robert Dugger, her mother and father, Lemar and John Boutwell; sisters, Marylou Richardson, Cleo Smith and Ethar Hall; brothers, Bernice Boutwell and Buddy Boutwell.
Survivors include two daughters, Ann (Kenneth) Morton of Milton, Rosemary (John) Edlund of Pensacola; five grandchildren, Kenny (Vanessa) Morton, Jr. of Milton, Robin (Jayme) Ward of Milton, Tina (Larry) Meadows of Pensacola, Jerry (Chris) Smith of Milton, Alison (Bill) Mellen of Maryland; seven great grandchildren, Tiffany Martin, Charlsey Martin, Cody Martin, James Ward of Milton, Jeremy (Julie) Peeterse of Pensacola, Amber Mellen, Billy Mellen of Maryland; one great great grandchild, Johanna Peeterse of Pensacola, and another expected in May, 2010; two brothers, Ray (Gene) Boutwell of Milton, Pete (Doris) Boutwell of Texas; two sisters, Minnie Byrd of Pensacola and Shirley Kelley of Atlanta.
Our special thanks to her care taker and friend, Darlene Deaguilera of Pensacola, as well as Emerald Coast Hospice.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 19, 2010 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Pkwy, with Rev. Rickey Tedder officiating. Burial will follow at Wynn Cemetery in Summerdale, AL.
Active pallbearers will be Jayme Ward, Larry Meadows, Chris Smith, Jeremy Peeterse, Cody Martin, Kenny Morton, Jr. and Steve Cummings.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 18 at Faith Chapel South.