Hospital Employee Named A ‘Legend’ For Helping Others
March 3, 2010
Baptist Health Care has recognized employees who go above and beyond to improve the quality of life for people in the communities served by the organization, including an employee at Atmore Community Hospital.
The health care company recently honored the employees as part of the their “Legends” program.
Rosa Davis is a dietary aid and cook in the food services department at Atmore Community Hospital.
Davis is a woman of small stature, but has a big heart and strong commitment to helping many people in her community through some challenging situations.
When one neighbor’s home was destroyed by fire, Davis immediately offered her home as a source of shelter. She gathered clothes, food and necessary household items to help comfort and support the family. A few weeks later, one of the family members suddenly became ill. The family did not have the resources to get a much-needed prescription filled, so Davis went to the drug store, purchased the medication and delivered it to the family.
When Davis got news that another neighbor was unable to pay her electric bill, Rosa paid the bill and the power was returned to her neighbor’s home.
Lastly, Davis’ brother had to leave his home when it became flooded with more than a foot of water. Again, Davis was on the scene with food for the family. She arrived with cleaning supplies, too, and went to work putting the house back to order. Davis also serves the community-at-large through local churches.
“Rosa Davis has helped many people in her community through some challenging situations,” said Donna Rogers, director of food services. “Rosa…stands out as a Legend to all of the staff at Atmore Community Hospital.”
Other area Baptist employees nominated for “Legends” status included Stephanie Bain, a nurse manager in the operating room at Jay Hospital and Darren Flott, director of cardiopulmonary services at Atmore Community Hospital.
Pictured: Rosa Davis of Atmore Community Hospital, a Baptist Health Care “Legend”. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Guilty Of Threatening To Kill President, ‘Create Another 9/11′
March 3, 2010
A Santa Rosa County man has pled guilty to threatening to kill President Barack Obama, his family and everyone in the Pentagon.
United States Attorney Thomas F. Kirwin, Northern District of Florida, announced Tuesday that Renee Curet, 30, pled guilty in United States District Court in Pensacola to charges that he threatened to kill President Barack Obama and members of his immediate family.
Jury selection was about to begin when Curet decided to enter a plea to the two-count federal indictment. In court this morning, Curet admitted to writing a letter to the White House in October 2009, threatening to kill the President and his family, as well as “everybody in the Pentagon” in order to “create another 9/11.”
The Forensic Services Division of the United States Secret Service confirmed a positive match between the handwritten threat letter and known writing samples of Curet. Curet was subsequently interviewed by the United States Secret Service and told them that he intended to travel to Washington, D.C. with a sniper rifle to kill the President. Curet is currently in custody at the Santa Rosa Correctional Institution on unrelated homicide charges originating out of Broward County.
The Honorable Lacey A. Collier took Curet’s guilty plea and scheduled the sentencing for May 11, 2010. Curet faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment for these charges. This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Florida Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.
Evers Qualifies For Senate Ballot With Petition Signatures
March 3, 2010
Rep. Greg Evers has obtained enough voter signatures to qualify by petition for the ballot for the District 2 Florida Senate seat.
Evers obtained 3,205 certified petition signatures in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Bay, Washingon, Holmes and Walton counties. He needed one percent of the 290,926 registered voters in the district — 2,909 — to qualify by petition. The signatures have been verified by the Supervisors of Elections in the seven counties and certified to the Department of State Division of Elections.
“I am thrilled to have received the grassroots backing and support of citizens from all across the Northern Panhandle,” said Evers. “It means the world to me that my name will be on the ballot because the people I am seeking to represent – not the money of special interests – put me on that ballot.”
“We have walked door-to-door and visited with people at community events, churches, parades and gun shows in the process of getting these petitions,” he said.
Evers currently represents Florida House District 1, which includes parts of Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. He is running for the District 2 Florida Senate seat currently held by Durell Peaden, Jr. who cannot run for re-election due to term limits.
Rep. Dave Murzin and Mike Hill are also running for the seat.
Escambia (Ala.) Comm. Larry White Attends Washington Think-Tank Event
March 3, 2010
Escambia County (Ala.) Commissioner Larry White joined county leaders from throughout the nation in a Washington D.C. think-tank designed to enhance the influence of county governments on the federal level.
As president of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama, White represented Alabama at the event, which included sessions with several federal departments and a briefing on local government issues at the White House. Sponsored by the National Association of Counties, the session attracted state association presidents from throughout the country to focus on problems that cross state lines.
“This was a wonderful opportunity for me to meet with other county government association presidents to learn from their experiences. The problems we are facing in Alabama – funding for local programs, road and bridge construction, jail overcrowding, unfunded mandates – are typical across the country,” White explained. “Our time together was very productive and we’ve made contacts that will be very valuable to our state and to Escambia County.”
“Commissioner White represented Alabama very well, including during one-on-one sessions with staff and legislative directors for members of our state Congressional delegation,” said ACCA President Sonny Brasfield. “Alabama plays a major role in NACo activities and we look forward to continuing our leadership position during Commissioner White’s tenure as state president.”
The Association of County Commissions of Alabama is a statewide organization representing county government in Alabama. ACCA promotes improved county government services in Alabama, offers educational programs for county officials and their staff members, administers insurance programs for county governments and employees, offers legal advice and represents the interest of county government before state and federal organizations and agencies. The activities of the association are governed by a board of directors composed of three officers, past presidents and representatives elected from 12 Alabama districts.
Pictured: Association County Commissioners of Georgia President Jan Tankersley and Association of County Commissions of Alabama President Larry White during a discussion group in Washington, D.C. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Gulf Power: Not ‘Grabbing Up Land’, But Providing For The Future With North Escambia Facility
March 3, 2010
The following letter to the editor was submitted to NorthEscambia.com by Bentina Terry, vice president of External Affairs and Corporate Services for Gulf Power Company. It is in response to a Sunday article in the Pensacola News Journal.
A recent Pensacola News Journal front page article on Gulf Power possibly building a power generation facility in Escambia County (“Gulf Power grabbing up land”) excluded information and unfairly represented a process we hope will bring new jobs and new tax revenues to the county.
The headline, “Gulf Power grabbing up land,” is not an accurate portrayal of the facts. Gulf Power has been purchasing property in the McDavid area for almost two years. In fact, there have been several articles in other publications over the last two years about our property purchases in that area and we have answered questions that have been posed to us on this topic during this same time period. There is no “land-grab.”
The article also tried to imply that we overpaid for certain parcels. The writer referred to a two-acre parcel “with brush and scrub pines” that we purchased for $175,000. What the writer did not mention was there was a home, private well, fencing and large workshop on these two acres. We did not buy a vacant lot – we bought an improved homestead well worth the price paid.
Also puzzling was – in the same edition of the newspaper – the writer’s column encouraged the private sector to “step(s) up a, put(s) its shoulder to the wheel” and take responsibility for improving Florida’s economy.
A new power generating facility for Escambia County would do exactly that. Unfortunately the News Journal has negatively portrayed a progressive undertaking that means jobs and economic development for this area. In this case, not only were the facts imprecise, the tone of the article could discourage other businesses from investing in our future.
Unemployment Tax Hike Delayed For Two Years
March 3, 2010
Tuesday, the Florida Legislature unanimously passed legislation that will provide a two-year delay in increased unemployment taxes.
The bill sponsored by Rep. Dave Murzin holds down dramatic increases in unemployment tax rates for businesses for the next two years and takes advantage of the time extension for the State Extended Benefits program by covering up to eight additional weeks for claimants. Approximately 20,000 Floridians would be eligible to receive extended benefits.
“Recharging Florida’s economy and putting Floridians back to work is our top priority this year. Making sure that employers can afford to keep the employees they already have is part of that agenda,” said House Speaker Larry Cretul. “It is better right now for Florida employers to use their dollars to keep Floridians working rather than be forced to lay off employees in order to afford a higher unemployment tax bill.”
“Affordable premiums are critical to Florida’s businesses during these tough economic times,: said Murzin, chair of the Economic & Community Affairs Council. “This bill is vital to help keep Floridians working and get our economy back on track. I appreciate Speaker Cretul’s confidence in asking me to spearhead this effort.”
The bill approved makes several changes, including:
- Reduces the taxable wage base from $8,500 down to $7,000 for the next two years. This change will have the effect of reducing employers’ unemployment compensation taxes for 2010 and 2011. The rate will return to $8,500 in 2012, and sunsets back to $7,000 in 2015.
- Regardless of the balance in the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund, no rate increase will be triggered for the next two years. Rates will begin to rise again in 2012, but forecasts indicate our economy will be stronger and hopefully employers will have used the time to plan for the higher costs.
- Grants employers the ability to make their 2010 and 2011 tax payments in quarterly installments without interest or penalties if the employers make the quarterly filings and payments on time.
- The payment of interest on federal advances will be made through an employer assessment.
- Provides an extension of the State Extended Benefits program which is 100% federally funded. This extension will cover up to 8 additional weeks for claimants. Approximately 20,000 Floridians would be eligible to receive extended benefits.
The bill was signed into law by Florida Gov. Charlie Crist Tuesday night.
Making History: Molino Park Students Recognized At County History Fair
March 3, 2010
Several Molino Park Elementary School students were recognized during the recent Escambia County History Fair.
“We were so proud of our students,” said Ester Robinson, fourth grade teacher. “All of our 4th grade students participating in the History Fair worked hard on their projects.”
The following Molino Park Elementary School students were recognized:
Elementary Individual Exhibits
- 2nd Place Kyle Lovell (Garrett Morgan Project)
- Honorable Mention: Hunter Rogers (Jackie Robinson Project)
African American Heritage Awards, Individual Elementary
- 1st Place: Kyle Lovell
- 2nd Place: Carson Lowery
- 3rd Place: Hunter Rogers
African American Heritage Awards, Group Elementary
- Sabra Stewart & Devin Abrams (African American Women: Seeds of Greatness Project)
The Holly Benson Women’s History Award
- Elementary: Carson Lowery (Harriet Tubman Project)
Historical Exhibit Awards: Elementary
- 2nd Place: Kyle Lovell
Escambia County Council of PTA/PTSA Awards
- Sabra Stewart
- Devin Abrams
T. T. Wentworth Museum Best in Show Awards
- Kyle Lovell
- Hunter Rogers
Pictured: Molino Park Students participating in the recent Escambia County History Fair were: (front L-R) Devin Abrams and Sabra Stewart; (back L-R) Kyle Lovell, Carson Lowery, Hunter Rogers, and Ali Carter. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
James Edward Pearson
March 2, 2010
Mr. James Edward Pearson, 85, passed away on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at a Mobile hospital.
Mr. Pearson was a native of Range, AL, a resident of Atmore, AL, for most of his life, and attended the New Beginnings Ministries. He was a talented musician and singer and a member of SAIL. Preceded in death by his Wife, Agnes Pearson and a Son, Thomas Clyde Pearson.
Survivors include: two Sons, the Rev. Ollie and Myrle Pearson of Eight Mile, AL and the Rev. Thurl and Gayle Pearson of Atmore, AL; two Daughters, Lillian and Kenneth Nix of Brewton, AL and Frances and Al Brown of Atmore, AL; 22 Grandchildren; 55 Great-Grandchildren; and 5 Great-Great-Grandchildren.
Funeral services will he held Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. Thurl Pearson and the Rev. Clyde Bruley officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 2, 2010 between 6:00 and 9:00 P.M. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Bobby Morrison, Wade White, Jeff Pearson, Anthony Pearson, Michael Pearson, Michael Herrington, and Blake Pearson.
Honorary pallbearers will be Ray Pearson and Ralph Beasley.
Charlotta “Lottie” Rhodes
March 2, 2010
Charlotta “Lottie” Rhodes, age 74, formerly of the Beulah community, now living in Baker, passed away Friday, February 26, 2010 peacefully at home with her family and friends by her side. Charlotta was born July 18, 1935 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She graduated from Pensacola High School in 1954. She retired from the naval aviation beauty salon after 22 years. She loved to cook for her family and friends and loved horseback riding.
Lottie was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Lou Gafford and Thelma Romeo, and great granddaughter, Nevaeh Harvell.
Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Lloyd “Dusty” Rhodes, daughters, Tina (Jack) Martin, and Tammy Kagarise, grandchildren, Nicole Campbell (Damian), William (Mercedes) Kagarise, Trey Campbell (Alesha), Mariah Wright, Theresa Martin and Russell Rhodes, great grandchildren, Serenity Harvell and Kailyn Kagarise and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North-Cantonment Pastor Jim Vail officiating. Private burial will follow at Bayview Cemetery.
Serving, as honorary pallbearers will be, Mack Gafford, Mike Gafford, Anthony Romeo, Tal Gray, William Kagarise and Trey Campbell.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to service time.
A special thank you to Renee Bullard a dear family friend, and Emerald Coast Hospice nurses and staff for their loving and caring support.
Flowers will be accepted but donations can be made to Emerald Coast Hospice
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North-Cantonment is in charge of arrangements.
Floye E. Brewton
March 2, 2010
Floye E. Brewton, age 77 of Marianna, FL passed away on Saturday, February 27, 2010 in Marianna.
He was born February 9, 1933 in McDavid, Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy E. Brewton and Jeanette Brewton, and his brother, Roy E. Brewton, Jr.
He is survived by his sister, Frances Brewton Edwards, his brother, Billy G Brewton, both of Pensacola, Florida and several nieces and nephews.
He graduated from Century High School, Century Florida. He attended Pensacola Junior College and graduated from Florida State University. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict.
He was employed as a St. Joe Paper Company Plant Manager before moving to Marianna, Florida, he was partner and President of Marianna Hospitality, Inc. and Marianna Developers, Inc. He was named Jackson County Florida Citizen of the year 2006 in recognition of his restoration of a number of historical buildings in Marianna.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at James & Sikes Maddox Chapel, 4278 Lafayette Street, Marianna, Florida.
A funeral service will be held following the visitation at James & Sikes Maddox Chapel.
Interment will be at 10:30am Wednesday, March 3, 2010 in Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery in McDavid, FL with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ray ’s Chapel Cemetery Fund, 170 Bogia Road, McDavid, Florida 32568.