One School To Win $10,000 From Pensacola Pelicans
July 16, 2010
At the end of the Pelicans season, one local school will win $10,000 from the Pensacola Pelicans. As part of the Pelicans reading program “Scoop’s Reading Challenge”, the school with the most reading challenge ticket voucher redemptions will win the grand prize.
Students participating in the “Scoop’s Reading Challenge” earned up to two Pelicans tickets for reaching “home” by achieving their assigned reading goals. In total, more than 15,000 tickets were awarded to the students in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties.
Currently, Pea Ridge Elementary is leading the race to win the $10,000.
Reading Challenge participants are encouraged to attend the Pelicans game and use their vouchers to further their school’s chances of winning the $10,000 prize.
The Pelicans have 19 regular season home games remaining. Ticket vouchers are youth vouchers only and are not valid for play-off games. Monday through Saturday games begin at 6:45 p.m. while Sunday games begin at 6:05 p.m. Gates open an hour before game time.
NWE All-Stars On The Road In Sectional Tourney
July 16, 2010
The Northwest Escambia All-Stars will be in action Saturday in the 11-12 year old Little League softball sectionals in Tallahassee.
NWE, the District 1 champions, will take on the District 20 champions, Chaires Little League, at Chaires-Capitola Park. Games in the double elimination tournament will be at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. (EDT) on Saturday. If a Sunday game is needed, the time will be determined following the final Saturday game.
Members of the NWE 11-12 year old All-Stars are: Savanna Roux, Peighton Dortch, Courtney Peebles, Kyndall Hall, Penny Banda, Addy Lee, Kendal Cobb, Mallory Ryan, Kristin Byrd and Natalie Goetter. The team is managed by Jerry Mason, and coached by Ronald Peebles and Eddie Ryan.
Pictured top: The Northwest Escambia All-Starts 11-12 softball team after their July 2 district championship win. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Over 150 New Laws Now In Effect In Florida
July 16, 2010
High school students will have to take some tougher classes. Exotic pythons can no longer be sold in Florida. And it will be harder to sue businesses for “slip and fall” incidents. Those are just some of the more than 150 laws that went into effect this month in the Sunshine State.
- SB 4 heightens graduation standards and phases out part of the high school FCAT, the standardized exam given to Florida students. The new law will eventually require students to take geometry, two years of algebra, biology, chemistry or physics and an additional “rigorous” science course in order to graduate. DOE officials would also create and eventually implement end-of-course exams. Some school officials have questioned how it will affect graduation rates.
- SB 2126 expands the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, a program that that sends low-income Florida students to private school. The new law would allow the program, currently capped at $118 million in aggregate, to keep expanding as more donations flow in. The program is funded by private companies that get a corporate tax credit in return for a donation. Currently, more than 27,000 students receive a $3,950 scholarship. Under the new law, the $118 million cap expands to $140 million this year, and then allows it to expand by 25 percent whenever the donations reach 90 percent of the cap. The measure also provides additional tax credits for the program, adding oil and gas severance taxes, beverage taxes on alcohol and other types of business taxes. The goal is to increase the amount of students who receive the scholarship and boost the individual award amount, so that it eventually reaches 80 percent of the state allocation for per pupil spending, which is currently at about $6,866 per student.
- Another bill (HB 525) becoming law Thursday eliminates the statute of limitations on sex crimes related to minors. The measure was pushed by lawyer Michael Dolce and Lauren book, the daughter of Miami lobbyist Ron Book, who were both victimized as children.
- SB 1708 makes it a felony to kill, maim or mutiliate a horse and then sell the meat that is not acquired from a “licensed slaughterhouse.” The measure was sponsored by Sen. Victor Crist,R-Tampa, and Rep. Luis Garcia, D-Miami, who proposed it in response to incidents of horses being stolen and butchered for human consumption in the state over the last few years.
- Lawmakers upped the requirements for Florida students to qualify for the popular Bright Futures Scholarship, which pays for the education for about half of the students at Florida’s public universities. The changes include raising the SAT requirements from 1270 to 1290 for the top award and 970 to 1050 for the secondary award. (HB 5201)
- Another new law makes it more difficult for an individual to sue a business for “slip and fall” incidents. The new law places the burden of proof on a person who is injured in a slip and fall case. They now will have to prove the business had knowledge of a dangerous condition and didn’t fix it. The law was a major priority of the Florida Chamber and other members of the business community.
- Don’t try to put a snake on a plane. SB 318, which goes went into effect Thursday, bans the importation of dangerous giant reptiles into Florida and enhances the state’s ability to prevent internet sales of banned wildlife. It also increases penalties for those who break wildlife laws.
By Kathleen Hughney
The News Service Florida
Good Chance Of Daily Rain
July 16, 2010
There’s a pretty good chance of thunderstorms each day though Monday. Most of the showers will be of the usual summer afternoon and evening type; so expect lots of lightning and some heavy downpours in isolated areas.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Today: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after noon. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 91. South wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Tonight: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming east.
- Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 91. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph.
- Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 10 mph.
- Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 94. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south.
- Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
- Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 95.
- Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
- Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 94.
Local Brothers Find Themselves Deployed To Same Base In Afghanistan
July 16, 2010
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Two brothers from Atmore have been been deployed to the same base in Afghanistan.
Many armed services personnel are separated from their families for a long period of time on a regular basis due to deployments. Although some military members have a spouse or other family member that is also in the military and deploys frequently, rarely are they deployed at the same time or to the same location.
In Afghanistan, two brothers have found themselves deployed, not only at the same time, but to the same location as well. U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Dempsey Walker, supply support activity platoon sergeant, Company A, Task Force Workhorse, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, Task Force Falcon, from Atmore, Ala., has spent 24 years in the Army and is currently on his fourth deployment. His brother, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Nicholas Walker, a computer systems manager with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan, also from Atmore, has spent 17 years in the Air Force and is currently on his third deployment. Both are deployed to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.
“This is the first time we have been deployed to the same base,” said Dempsey. “We were stationed in Korea at the same time and deployed to Iraq at the same time, but to different bases.”
“When I got here, my brother had already been here for six months,” said Nicholas. “It makes life here a lot easier, having a family member so close who can relate to what you are doing.”
Dempsey said he was anxious to join the military and chose the Army because it was able to let him join three months earlier than the other services. Nicholas, however, was not as anxious and made his decision based on the experiences of his brothers.
“We have an older brother that used to be in the Air Force,” said Nicholas. “After I talked to both my brothers, I decided the Air Force was right for me.”
According to Dempsey, the brothers get together at least once a week. They spend their time talking, going to church or just hanging out together. They usually eat at least one meal together whenever their schedules allow.
“It is nice to have a family member here to talk to,” said Dempsey. “Someone who is in the same location and situation and who can understand and relate to the types of problems that can pop up from time to time. In times like these, it is good to have your brother by your side.”
Pictured: U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Nicholas Walker (right), a computer systems manager with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan, sites and talks with his brother U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Nicholas Walker (left), a computer systems manager with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan recently at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Photo by U.S. Army Sft. Robert Healy, Task Force Workhorse, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Eula McDonald Harris
July 15, 2010
Eula McDonald Harris, 86, of Molino, passed away Sunday, July 11, 2010.
‘Granny,’ as she was affectionately known, was born in Muscogee, FL and resided most her life in Molino. She retired after 24 years with St. Regis Paper Company and attended Pinehaven Baptist Church for over 20 years. Her children noted to her that she always had good neighbors to which she replied ‘to have good neighbors you must be a good neighbor,’ and she was, as well as a devoted mother who raised and provided for five children by her self.
‘Granny’ was gifted with hospitality and would cook for py everone who came to see her.
Preceding ‘Granny’ in death are her two daughters, Charlotte Crum and Pat Dunagan.
Survivors include her children, Raymond Stokes (Barbara), Judy Graves (Doug) and Ken Albritton (Brenda); brother, Tommy McDonald; sister, Annie Weekley; ten grandchildren; 15 greatgrandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 15, 2010 from 6 PM to 8 PM at PENSACOLA MEMORI-AL Diaconate will serve as honorary pall bearers.
The family wishes to thank the Covenant Hospice Team at West Florida Hospital for their care and kindness.
Flowers will be accepted or donations honoring Larry may be made to McIlwain Presbyterian Church, Pink House Restoration Fund, 1220 E. Blount Street, Pensacola, FL 32501 or Covenant Hospice, 2001 North Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL 32501.
Trahan Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
BP Stops Oil Leak In The Gulf
July 15, 2010
BP says that the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico has been stopped for the first time since the spill began in April.
The announcement came after all of the valves were shut Thursday afternoon on a new cap placed on the well earlier this week. According to BP, this is a not a permanent fix. A long-term solution will come in the form of relief wells being drilled to plug the leaking well below the sea floor with concrete.
“It felt very good not to see any oil going into the Gulf of Mexico,” said BP Senior Vice President Kent Wells during a briefing. “”What I’m trying to do is maintain my emotions. This is the start of our test.”
Engineers are monitoring the pressure inside the cap to see if the fix will hold.
More details will be posted on this breaking story as they become available.
Pictured: BP works to pressure test their oil spill fix in the Gulf of Mexico Thursday afternoon.
FDLE: North Escambia Driver In FHP Shootout Suffered Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound
July 15, 2010
A statement released this morning by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement provides more details about Wednesday’s officer-involved shooting on Pine Forest Road:
“The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is investigating a July 14 shooting incident involving the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The incident occurred during a traffic stop conducted by Trooper Michael Black near Longleaf Drive in the 7000 block of Pine Forest Road in Pensacola, Fla. Preliminary investigative findings indicate that both the subject and trooper discharged their firearms.
“The incident resulted in the death of Clifton Austin Salter, 59, of Cantonment, Fla. Salter died at the scene. FDLE was asked by the FHP to conduct an independent investigation of the shooting. The investigation is being conducted by FDLE’s Pensacola Regional Operations Center.
“The District 1 Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy. Preliminary autopsy findings indicate that Salter received multiple gunshot wounds, one of which appears to be self-inflicted.
“FDLE will continue to investigate the incident to determine the sequence of events. The investigative findings will be provided to the Office of State Attorney, First Judicial Circuit.”
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Arthur Alvin “Buck” Stacey
July 15, 2010
Mr. Arthur Alvin “Buck” Stacey, 79, passed away on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at a Pensacola, FL hospital.
Mr. Stacey was a native of Range, AL and a resident of Brewton, AL for most of his life. He was an avid fisherman and attended the Tabernacle Baptist Church. Preceded in death by his Wife of 52 years, Carolyn Aileen Stacey, his Parents, George and Natha Lee Stacey, and six Sisters, Altha Stacey, Verba Stacey, Alice Gorm, Allene Crutchfield, Irene Raines and Marjorie Woods.
Survivors include: his Son, Allen and Cheryl Stacey of Century, FL; two Daughters, Susan and Buckie Smith of Brewton, AL, and Debbie Hamilton of Century, FL; 6 Grandchildren, Jamie Cooper, Brian Qualls, Shaun Qualls, Jordan Stacey, Jeremy Stacey and Jessica Stacey; 5 Great-Grandchildren; and three Sisters, Montez Dreadin of Flomaton, AL, Sally Howington of Brewton, AL, and Ethel Long of Davisville, FL.
Funeral services will be held Friday, July 16, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. Doug Odom and the Rev. Kevin Odom officiating.
Burial will follow at Mccurdy Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 15, 2010 between 6:00 and 9:00 P.M .at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be James Hughes, Jimmy Cash, Keith Odom, Mike Hammond, Burton Smith and Greg Odom.
Honorary pallbearers will be Josh Hammond and Jeremy Stacey.
Trial Delayed For Pastor Charged With Passing Fake Prescriptions
July 15, 2010
Trial has been delayed in the case of the Alabama pastor accused of passing fake prescriptions at a Century pharmacy.
Bertha Y. Wright, 44, appeared before Escambia County Circuit Court Judge Nickolas Geeker on Wednesday. Her jury trial, which was scheduled to begin next Monday, was reset for September 20.
Wright was facing 28 drug-related charges — 11 counts of possessing a controlled substance without a prescription, 12 counts of possessing a new legend drug without a prescription, three counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, one count of trafficking in hydrocodone and one count of possession of a blank prescription. Prosecutors later dropped eight of the possession of a controlled substance charges.
She remains free from jail on $34,500 bond. She was reportedly a pastor at a Mt. Vernon, Alabama, church.
When Wright attempted to fill three prescriptions at Century Pharmacy on Mayo Street in March, the pharmacist suspected that they were fraudulent. Julie Moran called the doctor that allegedly issued the prescriptions, Dr. David Smith in Jay, and determined they were indeed fraudulent, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office incident report.
The first prescription was written for Phenergan and codeine. The second was for 180 methadone tablets, and the third was for 120 Soma tablets. All three were dated March 3, 2010. Deputy David Bashore contacted Dr. Smith by phone, and he advised that he last saw Wright in February and had written no new prescriptions for Wright.
Inside Wright’s purse, Bashore located an unlabeled prescription bottle containing methadone, a bottle with generic Lorcet and generic Soma mixed together, and a third bottle with methadone.
When deputies Michael Coburn and Tod Day searched Wright’s vehicle across the street from the pharmacy, they discovered a variety of medications — the sheriff’s office incident report lists about a dozen other medications by their identification numbers. The report identified 127 hydrocodone tablets and the muscle relaxer Carisoprodol. An ice-filled cooler in the vehicle also contained three bottles of an unknown substance, according to deputies. The vehicle and the medications were seized as evidence by the sheriff’s department.