Typical Summer Weather
June 27, 2011
Our typical summertime weather continues this week with just slight chances of mostly afternoon storms and plenty of heat.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 10 mph.
- Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind between 10 and 15 mph becoming calm.
- Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10am. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 10 mph.
- Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.
- Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming southwest between 5 and 10 mph.
- Wednesday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Thursday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
- Saturday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 94. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
- Sunday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
ECUA Employees Gets 3.5 Percent Pay Raise
June 27, 2011
The Emerald Cost Utilities Authority has approved a 3.5 percent pay raise for employees over the next three months to offset the portion of their salaries that they will be required to contribute to their retirement.
The raise will be effective July 1 until the end of the fiscal year on September 30. Beginning July 1, state legislation mandates that employees contribute three percent to the state pension system.
The temporary pay raise passed 3-1, with District 5 member Larry Walker voting against the increase.
Tri-County Allstars Pick Up Wins
June 27, 2011
The 9-10 and 11-12 year old Tri-County All Stars both picked up wins over the weekend to advance in Florida District 1 Little League tournament play.
Tri-County 9-10
The Tri-County 9-10 year olds won their opening game against Destin Saturday night in Shalimar, 10-1. Winning pitcher Nathan Archer had five strikeouts in 3½ innings pitched. Relief pitcher Seth Killam added three strikeouts and Tanner Levins closed out the win for Tri-County.
The Tri-County offensive attack was led by Trevor Flowers and Jackson Free with two runs each, and Judd Smith with two runs, a double and pinch-run for Garrick Davis. Archer had a run and double, Killam added a run, a single and a double, and Slader Nash and Jajuan Brooks added a run each.
Tri-County advances to play Niceville White Monday evening at 5:30 in Shalimar.
Tri-County 11-12
Tri-County’s 11-12 year old All Stars defeated Shalimar 4-2 Saturday with solo homers by Jackson and Moore. They advance to take on Northwest Escambia Monday at 5:30 in Niceville.
Unique Finds At Mission Archaeological Dig In Molino
June 26, 2011
Work is continuing at the University of West Florida archaeological field school at Mission San Joseph de Escambe near the Escambia River in Molino. The Mission was inhabited by Apalachee Indians and Spanish friars and soldiers from 1741 to 1761.
The Mission San Joseph de Escambe was the northernmost extent of Spanish influence in Pensacola, administered by Apalachee chief Juan Marcos Fant. A Franciscan missionary was stationed at the Molino Mission, along with 16 members of a Spanish cavalry unit that arrived in 1760. The Mission was burned during a Creek raid on April 9, 1761, with the survivors relocating to Pensacola.
For a Friday NorthEscambia.com story with more historical details on the Mission and photographs, click here.
Signs of the buildings such as the 1760 troop barracks within the Mission have been located, but researchers are still hoping to find remains of the Mission church.
Finds include a sherd of Mexican-made majolica, probably Abó Polychrome, with a colorful surface glaze (pictured top) and physical features such as the post hole pictured to the left (indicated by the darker remains extending downward). A necklace bead was located that dated between 1700 and 1800 that was possible made in Amsterdam – a common item on period Spanish colonial sites. Common items such as lead shot and a straight razor have also been uncovered.
Several prehistoric items from thousands of years ago have been located, including pottery.
The Mission site is located in a wooded area on private property not far from the Molino Boat Launch on Fairgrounds Road. The site is not open to the general public.
(Scroll down for additional photos.)
An unusual glass necklace bead found in Molino, believe to possibly be an 18th-century “melon bead” with a translucent cobalt blue color.
A large Native American piece with a foot-ring base, a relatively rare piece to be found on mission site, that was designed to be used on a flat table. The sherd is what archeologists term colono ware — Native-American ceramics that are crafted in European forms.
A master’s thesis by former UWF grad student Jennifer Melcher suggests that vessels such as this were probably made by Indians for the Spanish and sold on the local market.
A prehistoric piece of pottery associated with the Santa Rosa-Swift Creek culture from about 2,000 years ago.
A well preserved large wrought iron nail or spike (pictured left) and ( right) a lead musketball that is about 59 caliber.
NorthEscambia.com and UWF courtesy photos, click to enlarge.
Man Charged In Escambia Shooting
June 26, 2011
An Escambia County man is charged with aggravated assault after a Saturday afternoon shooting.
The shooting occurred after a verbal altercation between two men became physical. It was not clear as to what the argument was about, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies identified the suspect as 24-year-old Cordario Angel McDuffie (pictured left). He was arrested about an hour after the shooting a few blocks from the scene.
At around 2:50 p.m. Escambia County sheriff’s deputies responded to the shooting in the 6600 block of Hampton Road in the Wedgewood community. They were told that a victim had suffered a gunshot wound to the head.
“Deputies found the victim in a bedroom,” said sheriff’s office spokesman Deputy Chris Welborn. “He had been shot in the head but was alert and conscious.”
The victim was identified as Charles Hilton, 34, of Pensacola. He was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital by ambulance in stable condition.
During the investigation witnesses provided deputies with the suspect’s identity and said McDuffie had fled the residence on foot. Deputies began to search for McDuffie, still considered to be armed, using K-9’s and the sheriff’s office air unit.
A K-9 unit tracked to a house on the same street the shooting occurred.
“A man standing outside the house told deputies that the suspect jumped a fence,” said Welborn. “But the K-9 tracked right back to that house and the suspect was found inside hiding under a mattress.”
The man that tried to mislead deputies was identified as Ronald Curley Copeland (pictured left), 34, of Pensacola. It was determined that he allowed McDuffie to enter the residence through a window, and hide under the mattress. Copeland was arrested for obstructing justice.
McDuffie was arrested without incident and charged with aggravated assault. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Work Week Weather
June 26, 2011
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.
- Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 10 mph.
- Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.
- Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 10 mph.
- Tuesday Night: A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Wednesday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Wednesday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Thursday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
- Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.
- Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
- Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 93.
Flomaton High Students Compete At SkillsUSA Nationals
June 26, 2011
Six Flomaton High School students were in Kansas City, MO, last week to compete in the 47th Annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Championship Conference.
Students who participated in the Quiz bowl competition were Katie Arrant, Tiffany Chavers, Victoria Creamer, Dylan Green and AJ Odom. Nicole Simpson served as an
alternate to the team. Accompanying the students were, SkillsUSA Advisor Jerry Aaron, Stacey Aaron, Bobby Simpson and Kay Lasala.
Formerly known as VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America), SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled work force. SkillsUSA helps each student excel. More than 5,500 students from across the United States competed in 94 contest areas.
The Flomaton Students competed in Quiz Bowl. The Quiz Bowl tests a team of five competitors’ ability to quickly respond to questions covering the areas of academic knowledge, professional development and current events. The participants respond to a question by activating a buzzer system. The teams receive one point for a correct answer and lose a point for each incorrect answer. The active rounds (preliminary and finals) are 100 questions each. Students competed in April at the state level to earn the right to represent Alabama at the national level.
This year out of 36 teams, Flomaton High’s team finished 17th.
“I am very proud of our team, they worked hard to earn the money to get here, and they worked hard to represent Flomaton High School and the state of Alabama well” said Aaron. “I would like to thank the Curtis Finlay Foundation, for their generous donation which helped us get to Kansas City and helped these students have an experience they will never forget.”
Pictured top: Flomaton High School’s SkillsUSA students at the closing ceremony of a conference in Kansas City. From the left, AJ Odom, Tiffany Chavers, Nicole Simpson, Victoria Creamer, Katie Arrant, and Dylan Green. Pictured below: The group attended a Kansas City Royals game (front, L-R) Victoria Creamer and Nicole Simpson, (back, L-R) Dylan Green, Advisor Jerry Aaron, Tiffany Chavers, Katie Arrant and AJ Odom. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Students Attend Rural Electric Tour In Washington
June 26, 2011
Three North Escambia area students represented Escambia River Electric Cooperative during the annual Washington Rural Electric Youth Tour.
Taylor Byrd from Northview High School, and Caristyn Golden and Meredith Owens of Jay High School were among 1,500 youth leaders representing electrical cooperatives from 41 states during the week-long tour. Byrd and Gold were winners of the EREC Youth Tour contest held annually for juniors in the EREC service area, and Owens was the Florida Electric Cooperative Association Youth Tour winner for children of cooperative employees.
During the trip, the trio met with Congressman Jeff Miller and visited the U.S. Capitol where they learned more about how government works. During the Rural Electric Youth Day Program, they had an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the history of electric cooperatives and their importance to the communities they serve.
Bryd, Golden and Owens also visited the World War II, Lincoln, Vietnam, Korean and FDR memorials; and Arlington National Cemetery. They had the opportunity to relax on the Potomac River during an evening boat cruise and visit many other places of interest. Youth Tour delegates also attended the opening night premier of “Wicked” at the Kennedy Center.
Pictured above: (L-R) Meredith Owens, Taylor Byrd and Caristyn Golden at the World War II Memorial during the Rural Electric Youth Tour in Washington. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Weekly Gov’t Roundup: The Education Of Mr. Robinson
June 26, 2011
In naming Gerard Robinson as Florida’s next education commissioner, the state Board of Education this week turned to someone with a compelling background — and an affinity for school-choice programs.
The Board of Education unanimously voted Tuesday to appoint Robinson, who serves as secretary of education in Virginia. He will replace Eric Smith, who was pushed out of the commissioner’s job by Gov. Rick Scott.
Scott supported Robinson’s hiring in behind-the-scenes discussions with board members. Robinson, who backs initiatives such as vouchers and charter schools, was selected over four other finalists.
The governor’s office, meanwhile, went through a shake-up of its own this week. Scott’s chief of staff, Mike Prendergast, and another top strategist, Mary Anne Carter, announced they would leave their posts.
Scott turned Friday to an old Tallahassee hand, Steve MacNamara, to take over as chief of staff. MacNamara most recently has served as chief of staff to Senate President Mike Haridopolos and also worked as chief of staff to former House Speaker John Thrasher.
EDUCATION CHANGES:
Robinson will face a new bureaucratic world when he takes over as education commissioner. In Virginia, he advises the governor on education policy and oversees a staff of four; in Florida, he will oversee nearly 1,000 employees.
But Robinson has overcome challenges in the past. He was the first person in his family to go to college — and almost didn’t even go — before eventually earning a master’s degree at Harvard.
“Mr. Robinson’s personal story is pretty compelling and it’s a good example for many other students or children that are in our education system that can see a role model in Mr. Robinson,” said State Board of Education Vice Chair Roberto Martinez. “I wasn’t exactly a great student myself when I was growing up.”
Robinson’s support for school choice aligns him with Scott and Republican legislative leaders, who again this year approved expansions of such programs. During an interview with the board Monday, Robinson stressed his interest in improving Florida’s graduation rates and also acknowledged that choice programs are not a “silver bullet.”
Along with the change at the top of the K-12 system, Florida’s higher-education system also drew attention this week because of 15 percent tuition increases at state universities.
The Board of Governors approved hitting undergraduate students with 15 percent increases for the third year in a row. University presidents argued for the increases, saying they are needed to offset cuts in state funding and to help prevent faculty layoffs, increased class sizes and shuttered programs.
University of Florida President Bernie Machen expressed frustration that he has not been allowed to increase tuition beyond 15 percent.
“This is not complicated, if you want us to move up in national rankings, we have to be able to hire more world-class faculty and it takes dollars,” Machen said. “I’ve said it to the Legislature and I’ve said it to you and it’s not going anywhere.”
SCOTT’S WORLD:
When Scott appointed Prendergast as chief of staff and Carter as a top aide, he lived up to his reputation for being a Tallahassee outsider. After all, Prendergast is a retired Army colonel, and Carter is a political operative who lives in Tennessee.
But with his poll numbers showing voter dissatisfaction, Scott turned to Capitol veteran MacNamara to run many of the day-to-day affairs of the administration.
“I think something needed to be done,” said Dan Smith, a political science professor at the University of Florida. “Gov. Scott has had difficulty with his message.”
But a Scott attempt to take a victory lap on one of his priorities — property tax cuts — drew flak this week.
Scott went to the South Florida Water Management District in West Palm Beach to hold a ceremonial bill signing for a measure that will trim $210.5 million off property-tax bills next year. The bill places new limits on property taxes that go to water-management districts.
“This property tax cut allows families and businesses to use more of their hard-earned money in the way they see best, rather than having to send it to a government agency,” Scott said.
But Democrats criticized Scott’s visit as insensitive to water-management district employees who will lose jobs because of funding cuts.
“We can agree to disagree on the merits of the bill the governor signed,” said Rep. Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth. “But to come to Palm Beach County and rub salt in the wounds of people who will soon go home to their families unemployed is insulting and unnecessarily cruel.”
CONSTITUTIONAL SHOWDOWNS:
After fighting pension changes during the legislative session, labor unions turned to another arena this week: the courts.
The Florida Education Association, backed by other unions, filed a class-action lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a new law that will require government employees to contribute 3 percent of their paychecks to the state pension system.
Scott has made a priority of employee pension contributions, saying the move is “common sense” and is about fairness to people who don’t work for the government. But the lawsuit contends that imposing contributions violates the contractual rights of people who are already in the pension system.
“It is essentially an income tax levied only on the workers belonging to the Florida Retirement System,” FEA President Andy Ford said.
While a decision in the pension case is likely months away, a Miami federal judge this week ruled that Florida’s process for sentencing convicted murderers to death is unconstitutional.
U.S. District Judge Jose Martinez, ruling in a 1991 murder-for-hire case in Vero Beach, said Florida’s system violates a U.S. Supreme Court decision. That is because jurors in Florida do not have to disclose why they decided to recommend capital punishment.
Attorney General Pam Bondi plans to ask for the case to be heard again.
“The Attorney General’s Office believes that the ruling is contrary to relevant decisions by the Florida Supreme Court, Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court as it applies to the imposition of the death penalty in this particular case,” spokesman Jennifer Krell Davis said. “There is no immediate impact on death sentencing in Florida as a result of this ruling as the appeals process is not complete.”
MAPPING THE FUTURE:
Lawmakers held hearings this week that kicked off months of wrangling about how to draw the state’s new political districts.
Part of a Tallahassee hearing focused on complaints that legislative leaders decided to hold public meetings before releasing proposed maps. Citizens and activists said that put them at a disadvantage in trying to figure out what lawmakers might do in drawing new legislative and congressional districts.
But Rep. Will Weatherford, a Wesley Chapel Republican who is the House’s top point man on redistricting, tried to ease the concerns.
“There’s going to be plenty of time for politicians to give their opinions, plenty of time for politicians to draw maps,” Weatherford said. “Now is the time for the people to have their say. … We want the citizens of Florida to be dictating what these maps look like, not politicians.”
Some speakers, however, were more concerned that oddly shaped districts have put too much distance between them and lawmakers. As an example, a congressional district held by Jacksonville Republican Ander Crenshaw juts across North Florida to Leon County.
“Before I die, let me vote in Leon County,” pleaded Linda Williams, who lives in that congressional district. “Because I live here; I pay taxes here.”
The state Department of Community Affairs, meanwhile, had a different kind of maps in mind when it started holding growth-management hearings across the state.
New laws will eliminate DCA as a stand-alone agency and reduce the state’s oversight of development decisions. During a meeting in Polk City, DCA officials said the state will stay active in large-scale development decisions but will be more selective about getting involved in local growth issues.
“Perhaps it’s time to start thinking about easing up on local governments a bit and thinking about a mid-course correction on what the state will advance,” DCA Secretary Billy Buzzett said.
STORY OF THE WEEK: The Florida Board of Education named Gerard Robinson as the state’s new education commissioner, replacing Eric Smith.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “”He knows the House, he knows the Senate, he knows just about anybody who’s been in government for the last 25 years,” said Thrasher, when asked about MacNamara, who was named later in the week as Scott’s chief of staff.
By Jim Saunders
The News Service of Florida
Featured Recipe: Chili-Rubbed Pork Chops With Grilled Pineapple Salsa
June 26, 2011
Bring new inspiration and variety to your weeknight meal planning by adding pork to your shopping list. Most cuts take minimal preparation time and the savory flavor pairs well with almost any ingredient you already have in your kitchen, as well as your family’s favorite side dish.
One of the most versatile cuts is the perennial favorite, the pork chop. From bone-in to boneless, it tastes great stuffed with peppers, topped with pineapple (see recipe) or straight off the grill brushed with sweet-and-sour sauce. Here are a few tips to spur some inspiration for you:
- Experiment with spice. Sweet and smoky is a tried and true combination that can be perfected with so many variations. Try smoky paprika or chipotle alongside sweet cinnamon or brown sugar for a rub, marinade or sauce that is sure to please.
- Think fruit. Pairing pork with fruit enhances the natural sweetness and maximizes flavor. You have heard of pork chops and applesauce, but why not try peaches, pears or strawberries to take your dish from traditional to inspirational?
- Take it to the grill. Your favorite recipe might recommend cooking your chop in the oven or in a skillet. Instead, fire up the grill to get a nice smoky flavor.
Chili-Rubbed Pork Chops with Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Serves 4
4 pork bone-in rib chops, about 3/4-inch thick, trimmed
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 1/2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
Pineapple Salsa*:
3 slices pineapple, cut crosswise about 1/2-inch thick, trimmed OR 3 slices canned pineapple, drained
1 jalapeño pepper, halved lengthwise, seeds and veins removed
1 tablespoon lime juice
Salt, to taste
In a shallow bowl, combine chili powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Sprinkle both sides of pork with spice mixture.
Prepare a grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Grill pork until internal temperature reaches 160°F, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Grill pineapple (if using fresh) and jalapeño until lightly charred, two to three minutes per side. Remove chops from grill and let rest five minutes.
Meanwhile, dice pineapple and finely dice jalapeño. In a medium bowl, combine pineapple, jalapeño, and lime juice. Season to taste with salt.
*Or substitute any store-purchased fruit salsa.
Nutritional Information per Serving: Calories: 180; Fat: 6g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 50mg; Sodium: 470mg; Carbohydrates: 10g; Protein: 20g; Fiber: 1g