Septic Tank Inspections Still On Hold
July 1, 2011
Florida’s new septic tank inspection requirement legally takes effect today, but the inspections won’t begin any time soon, if ever.
The Senate tried — and failed — to repeal the mandatory inspections after a public outcry about cost and an unfair burden on rural residents. But language was inserted into a budget bill by Sen Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, that prohibits the Department of Health from spending a dime on the inspections without the approval of the Legislative Budget Commission, of which Gaetz is a member.
“In my view, the septic tank mandate is an unnecessary policy,” Gaetz said. “It wrongly assumes that rural North Florida ought to be treated the same as heavily populated urban South Florida.”
The Senate failed to take up a bill sponsored by Greg Evers, R-Baker, repealing the measure prior to the end of the 2011 session.
“I regret that the importance and the need to pass this good piece of legislation was not acknowledged,” said Evers, who represents the North Escambia area. “Although my colleagues were unwilling to support the septic tank repeal at this time, I will keep fighting to reverse this law and I encourage you to keep fighting with me. This will remain my number one priority until we get it accomplished.”
The Florida House passed a measure in mid-April to repeal the mandatory inspection law that was passed in 2010 as part of a broader springs protection bill.
The House bill’s sponsor, Rep. Marti Coley, R-Marrianna, expressed her disappointment.
“I am very disappointed that the Senate chose not to repeal the septic tank inspection,” Coley said, adding that she was encouraged that the Senate stymied the effort with the budget committee approval requirement.
“With these provisions in place to protect our citizens, the fight to repeal this burdensome mandate will continue,” she said.
Backers of the law said it was necessary to protect springs and other waterways from pollution, but opponents argued it would drive up costs for homeowners. Opponents believe that tests — the financial responsibility of the property owner — could cost up to $500 for each of Florida’s 2.6 million septic tanks.
“No property owner in Florida need fear a swarm of bureaucrats and tank-testers invading their property,” Gaetz said. “The moratorium remains in effect.”
Fla. Senate Boss: No Offshore Drilling
July 1, 2011
Senate President Mike Haridopolos said Thursday that while he’s in favor of boosting domestic oil drilling, and interested in studying “all options,” the Legislature will not pursue new drilling in near-shore Florida waters in the coming legislative session.
“Not in Florida waters, not this session,” Haridopolos said.
Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island said he and House Speaker Dean Cannon have agreed that the technology around the safety of oil drilling and what led to last year’s BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill need to be fully understood before moving forward with new drilling in Florida’s nearshore waters.
By The News Service Florida
Marvin Dean Schneider
July 1, 2011
Marvin Dean Schneider, 80, of Fountain Run, Kentucky, died Tuesday, June 28, 2011, at his residence.
The McPherson County, Kansas, native was born May 9, 1931, as one of six children to the late Henry and Marie Ratzloff Schneider. He was a farmer, businessman and enjoyed woodworking, He was a member of the Fountain Run Mennonite Church.
He is preceded in death by a son, William Dean “Bill” Schneider; two brothers, Earl Schneider and Ervin Schneider.
He is survived by his wife, Aldene Hiebert Schneider of Fountain Run; two daughters, Rita Eicher and husband, Greg of Fountain Run, KY; Janet Dirks and husband Randy of Surprise, AZ; a daughter-in-law, Denise Faircloth and husband, Wayne of Albertville, AL; three sisters, Velma Wenger and husband Ervy of Walnut Hill, Evelyn Rutchman of Moundridge, KS, Carolyn Reiger and husband Reinhard of Hesston, KS; a sister-in-law, Brenda Schneider of Walnut Hill; 11grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Services were Thursday June 30, 2011, from the Fountain Run Mennonite Church with Rev. Gary Mininger officiating. Services will also be held Saturday July 02, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. from the Walnut Hill Mennonite Church with Rev. Wilbert Peters, Rev. Verle Peters and Rev. Galen Harms officiating. Interment will follow in Walnut Hill Memorial Gardens.
Family received friends at Fountain Run Mennonite Church on Thursday June 30, 2011, and again on Friday July 01, 2011 at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home from 6 until 8 p.m.
Fountain Run Funeral Home and Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, Inc. in charge of all arrangements.
Longtime EREC Employee Brenda McCall Retires
July 1, 2011
A longtime Escambia River Electric Cooperative employee retired Thursday. Brenda McCall, who worked in customer service/benefits, was employed at EREC for 20 years.
Pictured: A retirement party for 20-year Escambia River Electric Cooperative employee Brenda McCall was held Thursday. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tri-County 9-10 Year Olds Finish 3rd; 11-12 Continues Play
July 1, 2011
The Tri-County 9-10 year old All Stars are out of tournament play, while Tri-County’s 11-12 year olds are still alive.
Niceville 6 Tri-County 4
The 9-10 year old Tri-County All Stars finished third in Florida District 1 Little League Thursday night. Tri-County lost to Niceville White 6-4 in Shalimar.
Niceville 11 Tri-County 0
Tri-County’s 11-12 year old All Stars also lost Thursday night. They were defeated 11-0 by Niceville in Niceville. With just one loss, Tri-County gets another shot in the loser’s bracket, playing Destin at 6 p.m. Friday in Niceville. The winner advances to the tournament final against Niceville Saturday evening.
Pictured Top: Tri-County 9-10 year old All-Stars Thursday night in Shalimar. Submitted photo by Kelly Archer for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Sheriff’s Office Re-accredited
July 1, 2011
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was awarded full re-accredited status Thursday by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation.
“Once again, the men and women of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office have proven their dedication to their profession,” Sheriff David Morgan said, “I couldn’t be prouder of our accreditation team and the entire Sheriff’s Office.”
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is now accredited by CFA, Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission (FCAC), and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC).
Ruth Entrekin
July 1, 2011
Mrs. Ruth Entrekin, 77, passed away on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, in Molino.
Mrs. Entrekin was a native of Finchburg, AL and a resident of Byrneville for the past 55 years. She was a retired employee of Monsanto after 33 years, a devoted wife, loving mother, and precious grandmother and attended the Beulah Chapel Assembly of God Church. Rejoice for a woman of God who has finally made it home; she was an inspiration to all and will be greatly missed.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Aubrey Entrekin.
She is survived by two daughters, Deborah and Andrew Yuhasz of Molino; and Susan and Dale Steadham of Byrneville; four grandchildren, Corissa and Chad Diamond of Jay, Kimberly Steadham and Gregory Steadham, both of Byrneville, and Amy Yuhasz of Pensacola; three great-grandchildren, Colby Diamond, Cade Diamond and Lani Steadham; and two sisters, Sue McKenzie of Tuscaloosa and Vivian Wilson of Loxley.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 2, 2011, at 10 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home in Atmorewith the Rev. Shelton Kindig and the Rev. Ronald Broadhead officiating.
Burial will follow at Serenity Garden Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 1, 2011, from 6-9 p.m.. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Andrew Yuhasz, Dale Steadham, Chad Diamond, Gregory Steadham, Colby Diamond and Cade Diamond..
Ralph Dobbs
July 1, 2011
Ralph Dobbs, 84, loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 30, 2011. Ralph was a Naval veteran and retired from the Pensacola Naval Air Station after 35 years of dedicated service. He was a history buff, enjoyed genealogy and an avid Alabama football fan. He was a thoughtful and caring man and will be missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mar tha Knight Dobbs, three children, Angela McGlothcen, Tad Dobbs, and Tami Lynch, two sons-in-law Ted McGlothren, Jr. and Michael Lynch and one daughter in law, Jenny Dobbs, 12 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and his sister Grace Joiner.
He was preceded in death by his sister Betty Holly.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 2, 2011, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North-Cantonment with Pastor Jeff McKee officiating. Interment will follow at Flomaton Cemetery in Flomaton, Alabama.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to service time. Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 Highway 29 South is in charge of arrangements.
Reported Early AM Highway 97 House Fire Was A/C Problem
July 1, 2011
A report of a possible house fire early Friday morning turned out to be an electrical problem with an air conditioning unit. Firefighters responded to the brick home in the 10000 block of Highway 97 near West Highway 4 just before 3 a.m. after the resident reported the smell of something burning. Firefighters discovered that smoke was from a malfunctioning outdoor air conditioning unit. There were no injuries and no damage outside of the air conditioner. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.