Molino Park, Other Local Schools Use Facebook In Race For $500,000
August 11, 2010
North Escambia schools are using the power of Facebook for an competitive edge in a race for a half million in free money.
Kohl’s Department Stores will give $500,000 to each of 20 schools this year, for a total of $10 million, in recognition of the company’s 10th anniversary of its Kohl’s Cares philanthropic program that supports children’s health and education. During the contest, Kohl’s Facebook fans, currently more than one million strong, can vote for public or private schools that serve K-12 students by visiting www.facebook.com/kohls.
“Our school could use the money in so many ways to support our children,” said Pamala Maraman-Barnes about Molino Park Elementary School.
“If Molino Park wins, we would like to put in a walking/running track and buy a web based Accelerated Reading program for the students,” said Rebecca Hatch, a fifth grade teacher at Molino Park. “What a great way to help them learn and encourage reading.”
” I would love to see a track out there,” said Brandie Ratcliff. She said Molino Park currently has a jogging club that meets after school once a week to encourage physical fitness.
While every school in the North Escambia area is eligible to participate, parents and supporters of Molino Park Elementary School have organized a Facebook drive to garner votes for the school. As of late Tuesday night, Molino Park had received over 1,115 votes — far more than any other local school.
“Our theater definitely needs to be bigger. It isn’t even big enough to hold the student body,” said Megan Carroll, a Northview teacher, in her Kohl’s Care idea posting. “There are so many things that Northview could use this money for.” Carroll also suggested that a year-round computer lab would serve the students well. Northview’s ideas had 125 votes as of Tuesday night.
Here’s a look at the other North Escambia schools, listing their half million dollar idea and the number of votes received by Tuesday night:
- Bratt Elementary – 25 votes, no ideas listed
- Byrneville Elementary — 15 votes. Ideas include expanding the library and computer lab improvements.
- Ernest Ward Middle School — 123 votes, no ideas listed.
- Flomaton High School — 0 votes, no ideas listed.
- Jay High School — 26 votes, no ideas listed.
- Jay Elementary — 15 votes, no ideas listed.
- Tate High School — 232 votes. Ideas include new library computers, upgrade ROC equipment, support for academic groups and clubs
- Jim Allen Elementary — 144 votes. Ideas include library improvements and more books.
- Ransom Middle School — 189 votes. Ideas include funding for the school’s chorus and band.
“At Kohl’s we are excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our Kohl’s Cares philanthropic program by giving back to the communities that we serve. As kids and parents think about the new school year, we want everyone to dream big about how half a million dollars could impact their favorite school,” said Julie Gardner, Kohl’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “We believe that when communities thrive so does business. We feel so strongly about this program and the positive affect it could have that we have made it the cornerstone of the company’s Back-to-School campaign.”
Kohl’s Facebook fans can submit their ideas for what the school could do with half a million dollars. A winning school must have a least one submission about how the funds might be used. Fans can also vote up to 20 times for their favorite elementary, middle or high schools during this time, with a maximum of five votes for any individual school. The top 20 vote-getting schools, that meet contest criteria as outlined in the official rules and have school officials provide information on how the school will use the money to support educational programs or initiatives, will win $500,000 each. Winning schools will be announced in late September.
To vote for your favorite school(s), visit www.facebook.com/kohls.
Pictured top: Molino Park Elementary School Principal Alice Woodward presents an award to Ashliegh Ratcliff last year. Pictured inset: Molino Park parent and volunteer Brandie Ratcliff with Camren McLemore. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Autopsy Today On Body Found Next To Highway 29 In McDavid
August 11, 2010
An autopsy is scheduled for today on the body of a man found Tuesday morning in McDavid.
The body was found lying face down in high grass a few feet off the side of Highway 29 just north of the West Fraser McDavid sawmill. Authorities are not yet releasing the man’s identity.
According to Sgt. Ted Roy, spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, authorities do not yet know how the man died. Roy said it was not clear if he died of natural causes, if he was hit by a passing vehicle or if foul play was involved. As the investigation continues, Roy said the case was being treated as a homicide until evidence indicates otherwise.
For a photo gallery from the scene, click here.
For an earlier story and video, click here.
Under Fire: New Law Requires Septic Tank Inspections
August 11, 2010
A new Florida law that requires septic tank inspections is coming under fire as being too expensive in a tight economy.
Florida Senator Al Lawson, D-Tallahassee and a candidate for Congress, sent a letter to Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, asking that legislation to repeal the requirement be brought up if lawmakers return later this year to address economic issues.
Most homes in North Escambia, except those in Century, have septic tanks. Lawson claims the new septic tank inspections could set homeowners back as much as $500 every five years.
“Tallahassee simply cannot impose such a high financial burden on homeowners at this time,” he said. “To do so would likely push a great many of them over the edge.”
There are 2.6 million known septic tanks in the state and the Department of Health said at least 15 percent aren’t adequately keeping sewage out of groundwater. Constantine said only 17,000 were inspected last year. The new requirement would be phased in starting next year, but many people wouldn’t be required to have an inspection for a few years.
Lawson said he is worried that most people on septic systems live in rural areas, and many of them tend to be poor.
“We hear the Republicans talking a lot about government ‘living within its means,’” Lawson said. “They need to stop forcing Florida homeowners to live beyond theirs.”
The sponsor of the springs legislation, Sen. Lee Constantine, said inspections, which will be phased in, will cost less because of the requirement – which will cause inspection companies to jump in number, with the resulting competition driving prices down. A number of them will likely be aggressive in offering deals to get the business, he said.
“We will be protecting Florida waters, that is something people are forgetting about – so we continue to have economic development and growth,” said Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs.
By David Royse
The News Service Florida
Teen Pleads Not Guilty To Dumping Gun That Shot Deputy’s Tire
August 11, 2010
A 16-year old charged as an adult has entered a not guilty plea in an incident where he allegedly dumped a firearm into the middle of a North Escambia street, eventually leading to a shot being fired into a deputy’s tire.
Ladarrious Tamiraye Lett of Ivey Street, Century, is facing charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted delinquent under 24 years of age, tampering with evidence and culpable negligence.
He entered a not guilty plea before Judge Joel Boles and is now scheduled for trial in October. He remains in the Escambia County Jail on $21,000 bond.
Lett was originally charged as a juvenile in connection with the July 14 incident, but his case was transferred to Escambia County Circuit Court.
The incident began at 3:23 a.m. on July 14 when Deputy Scott Rivkin conducted a traffic stop on a black Eagle Talon with no headlights near North Century Boulevard and Henry Streets. The driver of the vehicle was given a warning for failing to use his headlights. Lett was reportedly the passenger in the vehicle. Both left the area.
About five minutes later, Rivkin was traveling on North Century Boulevard in the same area as the traffic stop when when he heard what he believed to be a gunshot. Upon investigation, he discovered a .22 caliber pistol in the middle of North Century Boulevard. When the right rear wheel of the deputy’s cruiser rolled over the weapon, it had fired a round, flattening the tire. Next to the revolver, the deputy discovered one empty shell casing and five live rounds of ammunition.
While Deputy Rivkin was still parked on North Century Boulevard, he noticed the driver from the previous traffic stop and Lett approaching him on foot. The two were separated and questioned as the Flomaton Police Department responded for backup.
The driver told authorities that Lett had dropped the gun out of the vehicle’s window just prior to the traffic stop and that the pair had returned to the area to retrieve the gun. The 16-year old told deputies that he had purchased the gun from an individual, and he provided a bill of sale. Lett admitted to dropping the gun out of the vehicle window, according to his arrest report.
Back To School Orientations Next Thursday, Friday
August 11, 2010
New and incoming student orientations will be held next Thursday and Friday at North Escambia schools.
Orientations will be held as follows:
- Bratt Elementary: Thursday, August 19 from 9-10 a.m. for Pre-K; Friday, August 20 from 8-10 a.m. for K-5
- Jim Allen Elementary: Friday, August 20, 9-10:30 a.m. for all grades
- Molino Park Elementary: Thursday, August 19 from 9:30-10:30 Pre-K; Friday, August 20, 9-9:30 a.m. for K-2 and Friday, August 20, 9:30-10 a.m. for 3-5
- Ernest Ward Middle School: August 19, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. for new and incoming students
- Ransom Middle School: August 19, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. for new and incoming students
- Northview High School: Orientation for ninth grade and new students will be Thursday, August 19 at 8:30 a.m.
- Tate High School: Orientation for ninth grade and new students will be Thursday, August 19 at 8:30 a.m.
Fire Destroys Flomaton Mobile Home
August 11, 2010
Fire destroyed a mobile home near Flomaton Tuesday evening.
The fire was reported about 7:15 p.m. on Hollywood Drive near Old Fannie Road. According to Flomaton Fire Chief Steve Stanton, the home was fully involved and the blaze was threatening another structure when he arrived on scene. It took fire units about 20 minutes to get the fire under control as they concentrated on saving the other structure. There were no injuries reported.
The Flomaton, Friendship, Lambeth and Jay fire departments responded, along with the Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Christine Stanton, click to enlarge.
Century Caregiver Meeting Thursday
August 11, 2010
Council on Aging of West Florida will host a Century Caregiver Support Group Meeting at 6:00 Thursday tonight.
There is no cost and the public is invited. Reservations are not required. The meeting will be held at Century Care Center at 6020 Industrial Blvd. The group meets on the third Thursday of each month at the same time and location. County residency is not required to attend.
The support group is part of Council on Aging of West Florida programs designed to reduce stress, increase coping skills, provide strategies for effective management of care giving tasks and enable caregivers to provide high quality care in the home. The programs are sponsored by Council on Aging of West Florida, the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging. For more information, call 432-1475.
Council on Aging of West Florida is a local, independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that has served seniors and their families since 1972. Council on Aging of West Florida helps seniors in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties live healthy, safe and independent lives in their own familiar surroundings by providing community based, in-home programs and services such as Meals on Wheels and Alzheimer’s respite care.
Tropical System Dissipates; Lots Of Rain Still Possible
August 11, 2010
Tropical Depression Five dissipated this afternoon, and all tropical weather warnings were dropped for the Gulf Coast. However, the remnants of the system will continue to move across the northern Gulf, potentially bringing lots of rain to Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The weather service says five or more inches of rain could fall through Friday afternoon. A flash flood watch has been issued for the area.
Here is your official North Escambia are forecast:
- Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. East wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 91. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
- Thursday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 93. Southwest wind between 5 and 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
- Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 95. Southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
- Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77.
- Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 94.
- Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76.
- Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90.
- Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75.
- Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 91.
Local College Students’ Personal Info Ends Up On Google
August 11, 2010
Personal information — including addresses and social security numbers — of students at Pensacola State College and five other schools was exposed on Google due to an error by a library services company.
According to the College Center for Library Automation, the personal information was returned in certain Google searches during a five day period that followed a software update. The company said problem exposed the information of 126,000 students and faculty at Pensacola State College (the former Pensacola Junior College), Northwest Florida State College, Broward College, Florida State College at Jacksonville, South Florida Community College, and Tallahassee Community College.
CCLA is notifying the potentially affected individuals in writing, recommending that they place a fraud alert on their credit files to minimize the risk of identity theft, and providing instructions on placing the alert.
CCLA first learned of the error on June 23, 2010, notified leaders of the colleges affected, initiated a security investigation, and began working with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Financial Crimes Unit. Investigators discovered that some personal information had been accessed by unauthorized persons and that some was available through Google until the search engine was notified.
For more information, click here to visit CCLA’s website.
Tropical Storm Warning Issued
August 10, 2010
The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm warning that includes Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
The entire warning area is from Destin to Intracoastal City, Louisiana.
Tropical Depression 5 has formed in the Gulf of Mexico. The system is expected to make landfall along the north central Gulf Coast by late Wednesday or early Thursday as Tropical Storm Danielle.