BBB Warns Of Phishing Emails
November 28, 2011
Better Business Bureau Serving Northwest Florida is warning of an email phishing scam that is using the BBB’s name.
The scam, reported across the country, including in northwest Florida, uses a false BBB e-mail address to entice recipients to access potentially damaging hyperlinks and attachments, according to Karen Szulczewski of the local BBB.
None of the BBB’s computer or e-mail systems is involved in this hoax and the attack has not affected the computer system of the BBB or compromised any BBB-held data, she said.
The latest round of emails appear to come from risk, alert or service at bbb.org, along with other spoofed email addresses.
The BBB is warning recipients of such emails not to click any included links or open any attachments.
Appeals Court Rules Against State’s Effort To Stop School Funding Lawsuit
November 28, 2011
A divided appeals court last week ruled against the state’s effort to stop a lawsuit over school funding.
The case now may head to the Florida Supreme Court, which could then decide whether a trial court can hear the case. In an 8-7 opinion, the First District Court of Appeals said trial courts do have the ability to decide whether the state has violated a constitutional provision guaranteeing a high-quality public school system.
The state had argued that the lawsuit was too political and broad for a trial court to decide, and it was more appropriate for the Legislature to determine issues of funding and education policies.
The lawsuit, Haridopolos v. Citizens for Strong Schools, was filed two years ago in Leon County. Two education non-profit groups and several parents of public school students said the Legislature and state failed to uphold their constitutional obligation to properly fund and operate high-quality and safe schools.
Neil Chonin, the litigation director for Gainesville-based Southern Legal Counsel, which represents the non-profits and parents, said the case is about more than adequate school funding, focusing on graduation and retention rates, test scores, teacher salaries and safety as well as whether schools are properly funded.
“It’s not just a funding question, that’s just part of the puzzle,” Chonin said.
But the ensuing legal battle has focused not on the merits of that question, but on whether courts should be able to hear the case at all. The state filed a “writ of prohibition” designed to prevent the trial courts from considering the case because of its broad focus on school funding and other policies set by the Legislature.
The eight justices in the majority said though they disagree with the state, “we do so with utmost respect for a coequal branch of government; and do so even though we are well aware that the constitutional duty to ensure that adequate provision is made for public education is the Legislature’s in the first instance.”
Jon Mills, an attorney who is also representing Citizens for Strong Schools, said it is likely the Florida Supreme Court will hear the case, given that the appeals court certified it as a “question of great public importance,” a key step in getting the high court to take a case. Mills said it is the first time the Florida Supreme Court would weigh in on the new provision regarding education in the Florida Constitution since it was included in 1998, and could have widespread implications for future lawsuits over the quality schools requirement.
“This is potentially one of the highest-impact cases you can have,” Mills said.
Jennifer Meale, a spokeswoman for Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, said “we are reviewing the opinion and will discuss it with our clients.” It could be heard by the Supreme Court even if the state doesn’t appeal. Listed as defendants in the lawsuit are current Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, former Education Commissioner Eric Smith, and the State Board of Education.
Even though the legal squabbling is focusing on the court’s ability to hear the case, Chonin said the hope is that eventually the Legislature, through court action, will be required to “comply with the constitution.”
“But that remedy stage is down the road,” Chonin said.
By Lilly Rockwell
The News Service of Florida
Updated: Woman, 77, Dies After Drag Racing Wreck
November 27, 2011
[UPDATED] Charges are pending against an Escambia County man that was allegedly racing when he crashed into an elderly couple’s vehicle in Gulf Breeze, leaving one of them dead.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, several witnesses said 21-year old Logan B. Drinkard was racing another vehicle at a high rate of speed in his 1997 Ford Mustang when he hit a 2006 Toyota Camry driven by 73-year old Victor P. Bindi of Gulf Breeze. The accident at 6:15 Saturday night sent Bindi’s passenger, 77-year old Germaine L. Bindi, to Baptist Hospital where she later died.
Troopers are looking for a second vehicle involved in the race — a two door Pontiac GTO that was burnt orange or bronze in color. Anyone with information is asked to call Trooper Roper at (850) 484-5000 ext. 326.
Weather: Turning Colder
November 27, 2011
A cold front will bring showers and possibly a thunderstorm to the North Escambia area today. By Monday, it will be unseasonably cool, with daytime highs only in the low 50’s.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Rain likely, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Northwest wind between 10 and 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Monday: A 20 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 51. West wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
- Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. West wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. West wind between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 57. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 33. North wind around 5 mph.
- Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 59. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 35. North wind around 5 mph.
- Friday: Sunny, with a high near 62.
- Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 64.
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.
- Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 68.
Cut Your Own: Local Christmas Tree Farm
November 27, 2011
Many area residents will enjoy a Christmas tradition again this year with a fresh, locally grown Christmas tree. The Country Pine Christmas Tree Farm in Bratt is now open daily until Christmas.
“You come here for the old time experience,” said farm owner Andy Bogdan. “This is so much more than just a plastic tree.”
Visitors to the Christmas tree farm stroll around the trees, which are located in an “L” shape field around a scenic pond with a fountain and ducks. Once the perfect tree is found, visitors can cut their own tree with a supplied saw, or have Bogdan cut it down.
The tree is then shaken to remove any loose needles (and bugs), then it’s ready to head home or it can be bagged for easier transport.
During the “experience”, visitors can also enjoy candy canes for the kids and lots of Christmas music. “The kids can run and play, and have the time of their lives looking for just the right tree,” Bogdan said.
Tree varieties include Virginia Pines, Leylend Cypress and Carolina Sapphires. If you have allergies, he said the Leylend Cypress is the perfect tree. It will not drop needles and has virtually no smell. The Carolina Sapphire has an intriguing aroma that is a mix of lemon, lime and mint. The Virginia Pine has that classic pine Christmas tree smell.
True fresh cut trees cut on the farm will last from before Thanksgiving until well after Christmas, Bogdan said.
Country Pine Christmas Tree Farm is one of the few remaining Christmas tree farms in Northwest Florida or South Alabama, and is the only one in North Escambia. There were a few more prior to hurricane Ivan and Dennis, Bogdan said, but most did not survive.
“You had the direct damage from the wind,” he said. “Then you have the delayed die back from damage to the trees. Exotic bugs and fungus that were not here before were blown in, and trees around here had no resistance.”
“The trees have had good growth since the hurricane. An average seven or eight foot tall Christmas tree will grow from a seedling in about four years. “They grow much faster here in the South than they do up north,” he said.
With a little straightening and tender loving care, Bogdan’s trees post-hurricane are ready for a living room and a visit from Santa. Prices vary depending on the variety of tree and height.
Bogdan and his wife moved to the Davisville area from Miami after he retired from Eastern Airlines. He was looking for a little something to do in his retirement and settled on Christmas tree farmer over 10 years ago.
“I’d never farmed before, but ended up with a Christmas tree farm,” he said. “But it’s a nice business. It’s not like being a doctor or a lawyer where people you deal with are not happy. At a Christmas tree farm, everybody is happy when they come here.”
For more photos from the Christmas tree farm, click here.
The Country Pine Christmas Tree Farm is located at 5001 Still Road, just south of Highway 4. A map is at the bottom of this page. The farm is open 9 a.m. until dark daily. Trees range in size from table-top to 12 feet. (850) 327-4600.
Pictured top: A few of the trees at the Country Pine Christmas Tree Farm near Bratt. Pictured middle: At the Christmas tree farm, you can use one of their saws to cut your own tree. Pictured below: The Country Pine Christmas Tree Farm stand with tree accessories plus goodies like free apple juice, cookies and candy canes for the kids. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Two North Escambia Residents Inducted Into Auburn Harrison School Of Pharmacy
November 27, 2011
Two North Escambia residents are part of the latest class at the Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy.
Meridith Lynn Weaver of Molino and Nicole Marie Haubrich of Cantonment were among 148 students entering the Doctor of Pharmacy program. They were inducted into the program during a White Coat Ceremony — a rite of passage for first-year pharmacy students as they don their white coats and make an oath affirming their commitment to the highest standards of ethics and patient care.
Meridith Weaver is the daughter of Archie and Cheryl Weaver of Molino. Nicole Haubrich is the daughter of Nicholas and Ellen Haubrich.
Pictured: Dr. R. Lee Evens, dean of the Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy, welcomes Meridith Weaver (left) and Nicole Haubrich (right). Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Crowds Attend Pow Wow
November 27, 2011
Large crowds attended the 41st annual Pow Wow over the long Thanksgiving weekend at the Poarch Creek Indian Reservation north of Atmore. The event featured tribal dancers from across the country, entertainment, food, arts and crafts and several historical and cultural presentations.
For more photos from the event, click here.
Pictured: The 41st annual Pow Wow on the Poarch Creek Indian Reservation north of Atmore. NorthEscambia.com photos by Marcella Wilson, click to enlarge.
Featured Recipe: Orange Morning Kisses
November 27, 2011
Today’s featured recipe is “Morning Kisses” — orange-scented breakfast treats that are much like a traditional beignet.
Federal Budget Cuts Would Mean Big Military Job Losses
November 27, 2011
If the federal government is forced to make a half trillion dollars worth of cuts to defense spending in 2013 as part of the automatic deficit reduction required by the folding of the so-called “Super Committee,” it could cost Florida nearly 40,000, jobs according to a university report.
The state would stand to lose the fourth most jobs because of military cuts, behind California, Virginia and Texas, according to a report by Stephen Fuller, the director of the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University in Virginia, who has studied federal spending extensively.
Florida is home to several large military installations in multiple services, including Eglin, Tyndall, MacDill and Patrick Air Force Bases, Hurlburt Field, the Pensacola Naval Air Station, Mayport, the naval base in Jacksonville, and the Southern Command headquarters in Miami, as well as several smaller installations.
Fuller estimates the loss of 39,200 military jobs in Florida would mean $2.3 billion in lost earnings and a decrease of $3.4 billion in gross state product
By The News Service of Florida
Joseph Glen Maholovich
November 27, 2011
Joseph Glen Maholovich, 54, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, November 22, 2011, at his home in Atmore Alabama. He was a loving devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be missed by many.
He leaves behind his wife of 36 years Vanessa; his daughter Marcy Maholovich Mims and spouse Joshua Mims; his son Jacob Maholovich and fiance Whitney McGill; four beloved grandchildren, Zachary Maholovich, Ansleigh Maholovich, Ella Mims and Keaton Mims; sisters Mary Ann Allen and Brenda Berry; and brother-in-law Ronnie Berry. He leaves behind a host of friends and family that will miss him deeply. He is preceded in death by his parents Joe and Ruby Maholovich and brother Eugene Norris.
Family will receive friends Monday evening November 28th at Johnson Quimby Furneral Home in Atmore from 6-8 p.m. Services will be Tuesday, November 29th at 11:00 a.m. from Johnson Quimby Chapel with Rev. Don Davis and Brother Keith Lisenby officiating. Interment will follow at Godwin Cemetery in Bratt.