$59 Million Broadband Plans For South Alabama Counties
September 8, 2010
A federal grant will help improve high speed Internet availability in Escambia and seven other south Alabama counties.
A $59 million grant was awarded to Trillion Communications Corp. of Bessemer, Ala. on behalf of the South Century Alabama Broadband Commission. With nearly $27 million in matching contributions, Trillion will offer affordable middle-mile broadband service in Escambia, Macon, Lowndes, Dallas, Wilcox, Butler, Crenshaw and Conecuh counties.
The project plans to directly connect as many as 400 community institutions to broadband. As many as $172,800 people and 3,000 businesses stand to benefit, according to the company’s application. The company estimates the project will create more than 550 jobs.
The grant was one of five grants totaling $111 million in Alabama, part of $7 billion in federal stimulus dollars intended to bridge the technological divide in communities that are being left in the 20th century economy and support improvements in education, healthcare, and public safety.
The projects receiving funds are part of a program – administered by the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) – to expand broadband access and adoption across the country.
Several Florida broadband projects also received funding, but none were in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties.
Pictured: The map above shows the limited availability of broadband Internet in Escambia County, Ala. Courtesy ConnectingALABAMA for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
JV Royals Beat J.U. Blacksher; Flomaton Beats Baker (Updated With Flomaton Photos)
September 8, 2010
The Jay High School junior varsity football team defeated J.U. Blacksher 49-12 Tuesday night in Jay.
The JV Royals will make the short trip to Hurricane Field next Tuesday to take on Flomaton High School. game time will be 6 p.m.
The Flomaton junior varsity Hurricanes beat the Baker Gators 14-6.
For a photo gallery from the game, click here.
For more photos, visit www.mikenewtonphoto.com.
Submitted photos Flomaton JV versus Baker by Mike Newton Photography for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Better Than Forecast: Florida Budget Shortfall ‘Only’ $2.5 Billion
September 8, 2010
Florida’s looming budget shortfall has been shrunk in half by state analysts who credit federal stimulus dollars, years of spending cuts, and Indian gambling money as helping forge a brighter picture – but one that could still leave the state in a $2.5 billion hole.
A year ago, state forecasters projected a $5.5 billion gap for 2011-12, as the remnants of the recession and a stone-cold housing market looked certain to dig deeply into state tax collections. But in a revamped forecast slated to be reviewed next Tuesday by the Legislative Budget Commission, analysts now say the tide of red ink may stop at the $2.5 billion mark.
“This is what we see at this moment,” said Amy Baker, coordinator of the Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research, among several panels making the latest forecast. “The revenue side is slightly better. And the spending has leveled off.”
Baker conceded, however, that the revised projection does not take into account the impact of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill on state coffers. The Panhandle tourist slump which coursed through the summer – coupled with increased spending from oil clean-up efforts – is still proving too difficult to gauge, she said.
“It’s a big caveat in the forecast,” Baker said. “We’ll know more in coming months.”
While the expected budget hole has diminished, the debate over how to fill it remains largely unchanged, lawmakers from both parties agree as the fall campaigns gather strength.
The Legislature’s ruling Republicans have already set the stage for another round of belt-tightening – and could draw strength from the economists’ crediting reduced state spending as helping yield the improved forecast.
“It’s more pleasant to hear that things are getting better,” said Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Nicevillle, who chairs the Senate’s Select Committee on Florida’s Economy. “But I think you have to credit the Republican majority for cutting recurring spending so we don’t find ourselves hurtling toward the precipice.”
But Gaetz said he was wary of the suddenly improved forecast – since the state’s troubled housing market has shown only feeble signs of life and Medicaid costs are on track to top $20 billion next year, demanding an additional $1.4 billion in taxpayer dollars, according to analysts.
Gaetz said the forecast, while based on extensive data, “is a highly sophisticated Ouija board.”
Democrats, who have pushed for closing some corporate-tax exemptions and enforcement of stricter Internet sales taxes, also said the revised shortfall eases pressure – but only slightly.
“We’re not facing as big a deficit, but it’s still a big one,” said Rep. Ron Saunders of Key West, designated as the incoming House Democratic leader. “And the federal stimulus money is going away. A lot also is going to depend on who is governor.”
The state’s current $70.2 billion budget is propped up by $2.5 billion in federal stimulus dollars — the last installment of $27 billion in cash that flowed to Florida from Washington over the past three years. The latest round was enhanced by an additional $700 million in federal Medicaid money that came to Florida last month.
But most agree that Florida’s budget-balancing options have narrowed. House Republicans led by Speaker-designate Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, had once pushed for expanding offshore drilling in Florida as a potential money-maker – an idea they concede the Deepwater Horizon oil spill has taken off the table for the foreseeable future.
Similarly, GOP efforts to overhaul Medicaid also appear blunted. Medicaid programs – which now command one-quarter of the state budget and serve 2.7 million Floridians – must be maintained at current levels for the state to collect the additional money approved by Congress last month. The congressional health care overhaul backed by the Obama administration also limits state changes in coming years.
Rick Scott, the Republican nominee for governor, opposed the federal stimulus package – and also has made a key budget provision part of his campaign by calling for elimination of the state’s corporate income tax. The move, if embraced by the Legislature, would erase $1.8 billion from next year’s budget.
Scott has proposed rolling back state and local government spending levels to 2004 levels – before Florida’s housing boom spawned skyrocketing tax collections that have since evaporated. So far, though, Scott has offered few details on budget cuts.
“The debate remains the same,” said Jennifer Baker, a Scott spokeswoman. “Florida is facing huge budget deficits, record unemployment and a foreclosure crisis. Floridians have a clear choice when they choose their next governor.”
Baker said Scott’s background as a political outsider with a “proven track record of creating jobs, balancing budgets,” should sway voters.
Democrat Alex Sink has outlined a more sweeping “government reform and accountability plan” that she says can yield $700 million in first-year spending cuts. The anticipated spending, however, may prove lofty – since many of the changes she proposes are confined to such measures as reducing state office space, unneeded layers of management, and bolstering the state’s hand in contracting.
But Sink said that as the state’s chief financial officer with a background in banking, she’d bring an ability to ferret out wasteful spending while also growing the state’s economy.
“While it is important to understand the budget deficit we will face, Florida is still in an economic crisis, with too many families in our state struggling and over one million Floridians out of a job,” said Sink spokeswoman Kyra Jennings.
By John Kennedy
The News Service Florida
Super Weather
September 8, 2010
We will have an ordinary weather pattern the next several days, with warm afternoons and no mention of rain until Saturday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. East wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Saturday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 96. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Sunday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 94. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
- Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
- Monday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 94. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
- Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
- Tuesday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Escambia Grad On Sports Illustrated Cover
September 8, 2010
An Escambia County School graduate is featured on the cover this week’s Sports Illustrated — and Crimson Tide fans are not going to want to miss it.
Sophomore Alabama running back Trent Richardson appears on the cover, leaping over a defender from San Jose State during the Tide’s season-opening 48-3 win. He is a graduate of Escambia High School.
Saturday was Richardson’s first starting game, with 146 yards and two touchdowns.
The “College Football Opening Statements. Breakout Players and Programs in Week 1″ cover is the fifth cover for the Crimson Tide in a year — more than any other pro or college team. It marked the ninth SI cover since Nick Saban took over in January 2007.
Edna Earl Sims Lee
September 8, 2010
Mrs. Edna Earl Sims Lee, age 94, of Byrneville died Monday September 6, 2010, in a Pensacola hospital.
Mrs. Lee was a native Of Brooks. Ala., but had been a resident of Byrneville for the past 22 years and was a former resident of Century. She was a member of the Beulah Chapel Assembly of God Church. Mrs. Lee was preceded in death by her husband Terry Henderson Lee, a son Ceylon Lee and a daughter, Mildred Earl Lee.
Mrs. Lee is survived by five sons, Bobby Lee, of Century, Leon Lee (Carolyn) of port St. Joe, Fla., Paul Lee, of Byrneville, Thurston Lee (Kathy) of Moss Point, Miss., Lincoln Lee (Bobbie) of Moss Point; threee daughters, Ann White (John), of Century, Linda White (Andrew) of century, and Darlene Lee, of Byrneville; 16 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Wednesday September 8, 2010, at 10 a.m. at Beulah Chapel Assembly of God Church with Rev. Shelton Kindig, Rev. Ronald Broadhead, and
Rev. Joe Lee officiating. Burial will be in the Beulah Chapel Cemetery, with Petty Funeral Home directing.
Visitation was held Tuesday, September 7, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Petty Funeral Home in Atmore.
Annie Redmond
September 8, 2010
Annie Redmond, 80, of Walnut Hill, died Friday, September 3.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 11, at 1 p.m. at Gospel Temple Number Two in Atmore. Viewing will be held on Friday, September 10, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Man Bitten By Rattlesnake, Airlifted To Hospital
September 7, 2010
A 28-year old man bitten by a rattlesnake Monday evening was airlifted to a Pensacola hospital.
John Derrek Giddins suffered the bite on his ankle while in the backyard of his home on South Highway 99 between Walnut Hill and Bay Springs near the railroad crossing. Giddins told authorities that the rattlesnake was in a flower pot that he had stepped over. The snake was not captured.
The incident occurred about 6:40 p.m. Within minutes, the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue was on scene, along with Atmore Ambulance. Giddiens was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola by a LifeFlight helicopter that landed his front yard. Giddins remained hospitalized early Wednesday morning.
Pictured above: A man apparently bitten by a rattlesnake Monday evening was airlifted to Sacred Heart Hospital. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Sex Offender Busted After Failing To Show Up For Jail
September 7, 2010
A convicted sex offender that was living in the Davisville area has been taken into custody after he skipped out on jail time for failing to report his current address to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Michael J. Lassiter, 58, pleaded guilty July 9 to one charge of failure to report a change in his residence as required by Florida’s sexual offender laws. He was to turn himself in on July 19 to begin serving a 364 day sentence, but he was a no-show in court and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Lassiter is now is behind bars at the Escambia County Jail after being taken into custody September 3.
He was convicted of molesting a juvenile in November, 1998, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. He was released from a Louisiana prison and reported his address to be 4699 Highway 168, Walnut Hill and had also reported 5701 Highway 168, Century.
When the FDLE was unable to make contact by mail with Lassiter at either address in January and April of 2009, they sent Escambia County deputies to look for him. Deputies discovered the 5701 Highway 168 address does not exist; there are no address numbers that high on Highway 168.
Authorities then met with the property owner at the address at 4699 Highway 168. The property owner said Lassiter had been given permission to stay in a shed at the address. They found an empty refrigerator and bed rails in the shed, but no obvious indications that anyone was still living there.
In September, 2009, the FDLE met with a female that said she had allowed Lassiter to stay at her address at 9981 Highway 97 in Davisville. Lassiter, according to the FDLE, never registered the address as required by law.
A few days later, Lassiter was spotted at the 4699 Highway 168 address.
FDLE obtained a warrant for Lassiter’s arrest and he was first arrested in February for failure to update his address. He was released on bond to await trail in July.
Funeral Services Schedued For Elderly Couple Involved In Flomaton Wreck
September 7, 2010
Funeral services will be held Thursday for an elderly couple that died following an August 30 accident in Flomaton that also claimed the lives of a nine-year old boy and his father. The accident happened August 30 at the intersection of Highway 113 and Highway 31 in Flomaton.
Visitation services for Edward Bradford,80, and Alice Bradford, 79, will be held Wednesday from 5 until 7 p.m. at Faith Chapel North in Cantonment. A joint mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church with interment to follow with full military honors at Barrancas National Cemetery aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola.
Over a distinguished 31-year military career, Edward Bradford served in command and staff positions throughout the United States and Germany, including combat tours in Korea and Vietnam. He attended the Army Command and General Staff College and his final assignment was editor-in-chief of Military Review Magazine. Upon retirement in 1980 he joined the faculty of Marion Military Institute and retired in 1993 as vice president and moved to Pensacola. Alice Bradford worked as a nurse.
Edward Bradford, 80, of Pensacola, passed away Friday at Sacred Heart Hospital as a result of injuries he received in the August 30 wreck. His wife, Alice Bradford, 79, was pronounced dead shortly after being flown to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola August 30. The couple had been married for 58 years.
Bay Minette residents Stephen Carl Thompson, 33, and his son, Nathan, 9, died instantly in the accident about 2:30 p.m. August 30 at the intersection of Highway 113 and Highway 31. Funeral services for the father and son were held last Saturday in Bay Minette.
For more on the accident and additional photos, click here. For more on the Thompson family, click here.
Pictured above: All four victims in this accident have died. Edward Bradford and his wife Alice were in the silver car to the left and were airlifted to a Pensacola hospital. Stephen Carl Thompson and his nine-year old son Nathan were pronounced dead in the maroon car to the right. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.