Jim Sanders To Be Appointed Acting County Fire Chief
April 28, 2010
Chief Jim Sanders will take over as Escambia County’s interim fire chief of July 15, the last day on the job for current Chief Frank Edwards.
Edwards, who serves as both fire chiefs and bureau chief for the Department of Public Safety, submitted his resignation back on April 15, two weeks after Interim County Administrator Larry Newsom asked the county’s fire marshal, Steven Rinaldi, to resign. Rinaldi did not resign; instead, he was transferred into a training position by Edwards. Edwards has not yet given a reason for his resignation.
Mike Weaver will be appointed active public safety bureau chief on July 15.
Local Group Collecting Underwear For Gulf Coast Kid’s House
April 28, 2010
The Escambia Farm Bureau Women’s Committee is conducting a drive to collect underclothes for children being seen by the Gulf Coast Kid’s House.
These abused children are often in need of new clothing items. While there is adequate gently used outer clothing donated, underwear is always needed. The committee is asking the North Escambia community to donate new, never worn underwear, socks and diapers. There is a need for all sizes, infant through adolescents.
The Gulf Coast Kid’s House is a center where abused and neglected children receive services from a number of agencies.
“While the Kid’s House is located in Pensacola and serves all of Escambia County, a fair number of the children served are from our area. Unfortunately, abuse is an issue found in every community, both urban and rural,” said Rikki Vidak, Women’s Committee member.
Last Sunday, many area churches took part in “Undie Sunday” to accept donations. A donation box will remain at the Molino Farm Bureau office through the first week of May. There will also be a donation box this Sunday at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Highland Baptist Church and Ensley United Methodist Church.
For more information, contact Rikki Vidak at 587-4246 or call the Farm Bureau office at 587-2135.
Stamp Out Hunger Saturday
April 28, 2010
Saturday, May 8, Americans in more than 10,000 communities will partner with letter carriers to help “Stamp Out Hunger.” The Letter Carriers Food Drive is the largest, single-day effort to combat hunger in America.
To participate, residents are asked to place a bag of non-perishable food items, like canned soup, canned vegetables, pasta, rice or cereal, by their mailbox before their mail is delivered on Saturday, May 8. Letter carriers will collect the food items and deliver them to hunger relief agencies with the help of volunteers.
Local hunger relief organizations including Manna Food Pantries, Bay Area Food Bank, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Warrington Emergency Aid, ACTS Ministries, and We Care Ministry will receive the food donated locally and distribute it to needy families throughout the summer.
Last year, letter carriers across the country collected a record total of more than 73.4 million pounds of food. But with hunger impacting 49.1 million Americans, including 16.7 million children, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s annual study measuring food security in the United States; help is needed now more than ever before.
“While we’re very proud of our success over the years in the battle against hunger, the fact remains that more Americans than ever are in need, which is why we remain committed to this drive,” said Fredric V. Rolando, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers.
In a recent survey conducted by Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic-hunger-relief organization, its 203 food bank members consistently reported increased demand for emergency food assistance, ranging from five to 150 percent. Food banks are also notoriously empty during summer months, having exhausted the supply of donations received from food drives conducted during the holidays that are then distributed during spring. Summer donations are even more critical since many children in need no longer have the benefit of their school lunch program.
For more information about the annual Stamp Out Hunger effort, ask your letter carrier, contact your local post office or visit www.helpstampouthunger.com. You can also follow the drive at www.twitter.com/StampOutHunger or text STAMP3 to 30305 to sign up for mobile reminders.
Time’s Up For Homebuyer Tax Credit
April 28, 2010
Time is running out for home buyers to take advantage of thousands of dollars in federal tax credits for purchasing a home.
The $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers and the $6,500 tax credit for repeat home buyers expire Friday. However, service members who were on official extended duty outside of the United States for at least 90 days between Jan.1, 2009 and May 1, 2010, may qualify for a one-year extension.
If a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, home buyers have until June 30, 2010 to complete the purchase.
For more information, visit the National Association of Home Builders at federalhousingtaxcredit.com.
$8,000 First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance
- The $8,000 tax credit is for first-time home buyers only. For the tax credit program, the IRS defines a first-time home buyer as someone who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.
- The tax credit does not have to be repaid unless the home is sold or ceases to be used as the buyer’s principal residence within three years after the initial purchase.
- The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.
- The tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less.
- The tax credit now applies to sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, a home purchase completed by June 30, 2010 will qualify.
- For homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before November 6, 2009, the income limits are $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly.
- For homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010, single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit.
The $6,500 Move-Up / Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance
- To be eligible to claim the tax credit, buyers must have owned and lived in their previous home for five consecutive years out of the last eight years.
- The tax credit does not have to be repaid unless the home is sold or ceases to be used as the buyer’s principal residence within three years after the initial purchase.
- The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $6,500.
- The tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less.
- The credit is available for homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, the home purchase qualifies provided it is completed by June 30, 2010.
- Single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit.
Source: National Association of Home Builders
Rep. Bonner Staffer To Visit
April 28, 2010
A staff member from the office of U.S. Representative Joe Bonner (R-AL) will visit Escambia County (Ala.) on Wednesday to meet with any constituents who who may be experiencing difficulties with the federal government and who are seeking the congressman’s assistance in resolving these problems.
The Bonner staffer will be available at Atmore City Hall between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., and at the Brewton City Hall from 11:15 to 12:15 p.m. on Thursday.
For more information on these visits, please contact Bryan Parker, Bonner’s District Representative, at (251) 943-2073 or (800) 288-8721.
Escambia’s Top Seniors Honored
April 28, 2010
The brightest high school seniors were honored Tuesday night at the Escambia County Senior Academic Awards.
The awards honor the top five students at each school plus those that have excelled in other subjects.
Those honor from North Escambia schools were:
Northview High School Top Five
- Jessica N. Bloodsworth
- Kaitlyn Caraway
- Clinton E. Davis
- Felicia Settle
- Mark A. Shipps, Jr.
Northview High Top in Subject Areas
- Candice L. Greenwell, English
- Caitlin Hall, foreign language
- Bradley J. Lowery, math
- Jackson Smith, science
- Kolbi Cobb, social studies
- Eric Ickeringill, career and technical
Tate High School Top Five
- Stevie Evans
- Christopher Hester
- Caitlin Perkins
- Rebecca Rougeau
- Allison Shiflett
Tate High Top in Subject Areas
- Allison Bailey, English
- Davin Samuel, foreign language
- Corry Bedwell, math
- Sara Woodbury, science
- Lynsey Meharg, social studies
- Karissa Kleinschmidt, career and technical
Pictured above: Northview students Jessica Bloodsworth, Clinton Davis, Felicia Settle, Mark Shipps, Jr., and Jackson Smith at Tuesday night’s Escambia County Senior Academic Awards. Submitted photo by Jill Lee for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Lady Chiefs Fall In Regionals; NHS, Jay Advance In District
April 27, 2010
The Northview Lady Chiefs fell 3-2 in Regional play against Sneads tonight. The Northview boys advanced with a 5-2 win over Baker in District play tonight, and the Jay Royals beat Ponce de Leon 12-2
NorthEscambia.com will have complete coverage and photos Wednesday morning.
Michael Shane Clemmons
April 27, 2010
Mr. Michael Shane Clemmons, 25, passed away on Sunday, April 25, 2010 at a Pensacola hospital.
Mr. Clemmons was a native and lifelong resident of Christian Home, FL, and attended the Assembly of God Church.
Survivors include: his Mother, Lisa Kelley of Atmore, AL; his Father, Donnie Clemmons of Atmore, AL; Stepfather, Greg Forbes of Atmore, AL; Girlfriend, Lisa Lynette Madison of Century, FL; his Son, Zakhel Cameron Clemmons of Century, FL; his Daughter, Zamya Jade Clemmons of Century, FL; two Brothers, Nathan Hunter Clemmons of Christian Home, FL, and Troy Gambel Clemmons of Atmore, AL; a Sister, Charley Rose Clemmons Davis of Atmore, AL; Grandparents, Bennie and Clara Stokes of Christian Home, FL, and Wilodean Davis of Atmore, AL; and three Best Friends, Carl Moorer of Walnut Hill, FL, Chance Schoonover of Byrneville, FL, and David Jernigan of Bratt, FL.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 4:00 P.M. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. Edward Boutwell officiating.
Burial will follow at Godwin Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 28, 2010 between 6:00 and 9:00 P.M. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be David Jernigan, Chance Schoonover, Nathan Clemmons, Carl Moorer, Troy Clemmons and J.R. Flowers.
Honnorary pallbearers will be Dereck Moorer, Sammie Moorer and T.O. Sheffield.
Northview, Jay In Tournament Play Today (With Monday Scores)
April 27, 2010
Area coaches are asking local fans to turn out in force in Bratt or Baker today as Northview and Jay take part regional and district tournaments.
In the Florida High School Athletic Association softball regional quarterfinals, the District 1-2A champion Lady Chiefs take on District 2-2A runner up Sneads at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Bratt. Admission is $6 for all ages with no passes.
In the District 1-2A baseball district tournament in Baker, Northview and Jay are the two top seeds, separated only by a coin toss that put Jay in the top spot. Monday, Ponce de Leon beat Freeport 9-8, advancing to play Jay in the first semifinal at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Also Monday, Baker beat Pensacola Christian Academy 8-7, advancing to face Northview at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the second semifinal game.
Floyd Edward Barlow
April 27, 2010
Floyd Edward Barlow, age 69, passed away April 18, 2010, in New Caney, Texas. He graduated from Ernest Ward High School in 1958 and was in the Marines for four years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Annie Pace Barlow.
Mr. Barlow is survived by his wife of 45 years, Jackie Gibson Barlow and their children, Candi and Steve Weekley, Jeri and David Johnston, and LaDonna and Sherman Welch; six grandchildren, Lauren Weekley, Meghan and Andy Keeton, Ty Welch, Cameron Welch, Conner Johnston and Parker Johnston; brothers and sisters Genevive Bell, Walter Barlow Jr., James Barlow, Margaret Ann Bryars, Judy Rathsack, Diane Elkins, Donald Barlow and Theresa Barlow; numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins; a wonderful church family and a host of friends.
Interment was in Rosewood Memorial Park, Porter, Texas.
Rosewood Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.