Cool Nights, Great Days
February 25, 2011
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Clear, with a low around 44. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 75. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
- Saturday Night: Areas of dense fog after 10pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Sunday: Areas of dense fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming south between 10 and 15 mph.
- Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. Southwest wind between 5 and 15 mph.
- Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 49. North wind around 5 mph.
- Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 69. North wind around 5 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 40. North wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 70.
- Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 45.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71.
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.
- Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 72.
Waterfront Rescue Opening Bargain Center In Cantonment
February 25, 2011
The Waterfront Rescue Mission will open its sixth bargain center March 5 in Cantonment.
The store is located at 732 North Highway 29 in the shopping center with Grocery Advantage. It will offer a variety of items, including clothing, furniture, household appliances, electronics, lawn furniture, tools, collectibles, new mattresses and more.
The bargain centers provide funds for Waterfront Rescue shelters and drug and alcohol recovery programs.
The grand opening celebration is planned for 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 5. There will be hot dogs, drinks and other goodies from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., or while supplies last.
Pictured: The interior and exterior of the new Waterfront Rescue Center Bargain Center that will open in Cantonment on March 5. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Retailers Push For 2011 Back-To-School Tax Holiday
February 25, 2011
Pushing for a back-to-school sales tax holiday in August 2011, Florida retailers Thursday hailed a new study showing that last year’s three-day relief period actually put $7 million extra into state coffers.
The Washington Economics Group reported that during the Aug. 13-15 holiday during which sales taxes weren’t collected on certain school-related items, people bought a whole lot of other things not covered by the tax holiday.
During the period, the study found that sales of other taxable items were $115 million higher than taxable sales during the same weekend the previous year, which had no holiday. The extra taxes collected on those sales, after factoring in lost revenue for the tax holiday, still left the state with $7 million more than it otherwise expected to have.
In 2008 and 2009, the back-to-school tax break was suspended, with lawmakers citing lost tax revenue as the reason, despite claims at the time by retailers that such tax holidays would actually boost revenue.
Rick McAllister, president and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation, said the WEG report “puts hard data on a fact that retailers have known for some time.” WEG found that sales projections for August 2010 were surpassed by $289 million.
“It’s not only great for Florida’s families,” said McAllister, “but for Florida’s bottom line.”
Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale, and Rep. Elizabeth Porter, R-Lake City, are sponsoring bills to hold the holiday again this August. Although McAllister noted that state revenues would be greater if the holiday were ten days instead of three, Bogdanoff said that wasn’t likely to happen.
Senator: Five Percent State Pension Too High
February 25, 2011
Rank and file government workers, police, firefighters and other emergency responders would be required to contribute 2 percent toward their pensions under a Senate proposal aired Thursday.
Focusing on the Senate’s pension reform plan (SB 1130), the chamber’s Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee took nearly two hours of public testimony as it discussed amendments that will be considered when the committee meets again after the legislative session begins next month. Lawmakers are looking to have government workers contribute to their pensions – which they currently don’t do – in part because they say it’s fair, and in part because they say the current system is too expensive to sustain over the long haul.
Sen. Jack Latvala, R-St. Petersburg, introduced a series of amendments that would blunt the impact of an earlier proposed plan, which would have had workers put in 5 percent of their paychecks. Latvala on Thursday proposed a 2 percent maximum contribution for rank and file employees covered by the Florida Retirement System, which now has more than 650,000 state, county , school district and local employees.
“I feel strongly that there are many people who work for government for the pension they are going to get,” Latvala said. “It’s important to keep that path open for them.”
Unlike rank and file workers, senior managers and elected officials would have to contribute 4 percent of their salaries toward their pensions under amendments Latvala distributed Thursday and will likely formally introduce at the committee’s next hearing.
Other proposed amendments would allow new employees first hired at salaries of $75,000 or below to choose a traditional pension plan that guarantees retirement benefits or opt for a 401 (k) plan similar to those increasingly offered by private businesses. Senior managers and employees hired at more than $75,000 would be required to go into a 401 (k).
Gov. Rick Scott has proposed doing away with the traditional retirement plan in favor of a having employees contribute 5 percent to what amounts to an individual retirement account. Scott wants all new hires to be placed in the 401 (k)-style plans.
While he would prefer no employee buy-in, Latvala said the writing is on the wall and the Senate needs to offer a plan that is less expensive for employees, many of whom have not seen raises in the past several years.
“What we’re trying to do is craft something meaningful out of this committee that may have a little longer shelf life,” he said.
Committee members heard from a procession of union representatives, teachers, firefighters, and university officials echoing the sentiment that public employees in their respective fields trade higher salaries in the private sector for the retirement benefits available from the state.
They also argued that Florida’s system has operated in a surplus for much of the past 15 years. Like most investments, the fund took a hit in the most recent recession but is climbing its way back toward fully funded status.
Andrew McMullian, former director of the state’s retirement system, said lawmakers must tread lightly and not scrap something that has become the envy of others.
“You cannot improve on the system, but you can destroy the system,” McMullian said. “…You are putting employees at risk with the ebb and flow of the stock market.”
Escambia Man Gets 30 Years For Lounge Killing
February 25, 2011
An Escambia County man was sentenced Thursday to 30 years in state prison for a lounge shooting in October, 2009.
Brandon Davis pleaded guilty to second degree murder and robbery with a firearm. Judge Michael Allen sentenced Davis to 30 years in state prison with a 20 year minimum mandatory.
On October 23, 2009, Jared Ortiz, was seated at the Oakcrest Lounge when Marvin Jamel Smith and Brandon Davis entered. Smith fired a shot as they entered that struck Ortiz in the back of the head, killing him instantly, according to State Attorney Bill Eddins.
Davis could have received life in prison, but cooperated with prosecutors and testified as a witness against Smith. Smith was found guilty of killing Ortiz in January and sentenced to life in prison.
Ernest Ward Celebrates FFA Week With Breakfast
February 25, 2011
FFA students at Ernest Ward Middle School did their part to celebrate National FFA Week with a Thursday morning breakfast for faculty and staff.
Students cooked a breakfast of eggs, grits, biscuits, bacon, sausage and more for the EWMS faculty and staff.
Click here for a photo gallery from the breakfast.
This year’s National FFA Week theme was “Infinite Potential” with members encouraged to envision, discover and achieve their potential within their communities.
Pictured: FFA students at Ernest Ward Middle School provide breakfast for the school’s faculty and staff Thursday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Alabama 2010 Census Numbers Released, Atmore Grows 37 Percent
February 25, 2011
The U.S. Census Bureau released 2010 population data for Alabama Thursday.
In the local area, Atmore showed a huge population gain of 37.3 percent over the 10 year period from 2000 to 2010, gaining 2,767 residents. But about 2,250 of those new residents were behind bars. In 2008, Atmore annexed 19.33 square miles into the city limits, including Holman and Fountain prisons. Since they were located in the city during the 2010 count, the inmate population was added to Atmore’s total.
Escambia County (Ala.) experienced a slight population decline (0.3%), while the population also fell in Brewton (1.6%) and East Brewton (0.7%).
The other two towns in Escambia County, Pollard and Riverview, experienced double digit population growth. Due to their small size the percentage increased were skewed while they gained relatively few persons.
Florida’s 2010 population data by county has not yet been released.
Tickets Still Available For Saturday Night Mardi Gras Masquerade
February 25, 2011
You can celebrate Mardi Gras and help the American Cancer Society at the same time Saturday night.
Century’s Relay for Life team will hold a Mardi Gras Masquerade on Saturday, February 26 from 7-11 p.m. at the town’s Ag Building on West Highway 4. The featured entertainment will be the Will Inspire Band, a local favorite group with previous appearances at the 2009 Century Relay and the Teaspoon Festival.
The event will include red beans and rice, photo opportunities and a silent auction. Attire is Mardi Gras formal or costume. This is an adults-only event, but no alcohol is allowed on the community center property.
Tickets are $20 per person. Businesses or individuals can reserve a table for eight for $150. Tickets are available from any Relay for Life Century team, the Century Branch Library or the Century Town Hall. Tickets are limited.
For more information, call (850) 256-3842.
Pictured above: The Will Inspire Band. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Elsie C. Phillips
February 25, 2011
Elsie C. Phillips went to be with the Lord February 23, 2011.
She was a long time Pensacola resident. She was born on September 18, 1913 in Century, FL to Edna Howell Coleman and Arthur Hemby Coleman.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vernon E. Phillips.
She is survived by her four children and their spouses, Dr. Ann M. Southerland (Brad), William V. Phillips (Joann), Joe C. Phillips (Glenda), and Jack C. Phillips (Judy) all of Pensacola. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Mrs. Phillips was a member of Scenic Heights Baptist Church.
Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until the funeral service to begin at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 26, 2011 at Harper Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd. Services will be conducted by Dr. Barry Howard. Burial will follow at Bayview Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be Sandy Southerland, Scott Phillips, Jeff Phillips, Phil Phillips, Dale Eade and Matthew Hopkins.
The family wishes to express its appreciation to Bayside Manor for the loving care they gave their Mother. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, ROC Building Fund, 500 N. Palafox St., Pensacola, FL 32501. Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Michael “Dexter” Fairley
February 25, 2011
Michael “Dexter” Fairley was born January 24, 1957, to Columbus and Earnestine Fairley. He completed his assignment on February 22, 2011.
He was a member of Greater First Baptist Church of Cantonment. He received Christ later on in life. He received his education through the Escambia County Public School System.
He was a volunteer for the Cantonment Fire Department and retired from the Escambia County School Board.
Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Earnestine Fairley; grandmother, Omar Kirkland; great-grandmother, Pamela Ballard; and a sister, Leatha Fairley.
He was adored by his loving wife, Jacqueline Albritton-Fairley, and still leaves to honor his memory seven children, Conika and Michael Yates, Kevin Nelson, Marcus Fairley, Mychela Albritton, Kendra Tanner, and Keaundra Feagin. He is also survived by his father, Columbus Fairley; one brother, Tony Fairley; seven sisters, Carolyn Phillips, Wanda (Roy) Clements, Pamela (Charles) Robinson, Darlene Jones, Cornelius Warren, Robbie (Kenny) Warren, Sue Fairley; one sister-in-law, Wanda Albritton; nine grandchildren; one God-granddaughter; one uncle; two aunts; and a host of nieces and nephews and other relatives.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, February 26, 2011, at Greater First Baptist Church of Cantonment, with Rev. Lawrence Robinson, officiating, Rev. Kenneth Jessie, Intrium Pastor. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery.