Night Work On Highway 4 Escambia River Bridge
May 24, 2012
Lane restrictions are planned nightly through the weekend on the Escambia River Bridge on Highway 4 between Century and Jay.
Crews will be working to restripe the bridge lanes from 9 p.m. until 4 a.m. through Saturday, according to the Florida Department of Transportation, causing traffic delays.
“Drivers are reminded to pay attention to the speed limit when traveling through the construction area, and to use caution, especially at night when driving in work zones,” said Tanya Branton, public information specialist for the Florida DOT.
FWC: ‘Be Bear Aware’ Because Bear Love Is In The Air
May 24, 2012
Just days after a young male black bear was spotted at an apartment complex in Cantonment, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission wants the public to know that love is in the air for Florida black bears.
The young black bear was first seen on Sunday, walking about the Wild Oak Farms Apartments, just north of the Grocery Advantage on Highway 29 and directly adjacent to Jim Allen Elementary School. During his Sunday visit, the bear reportedly tore into trash and rummaged through a dumpster, but many apartment residents described him as otherwise seeming “friendly”. [Read more about the Cantonment bear here.]
Breeding season for bears runs from June to July, and FWC is reminding homeowners that bears are moving around, foraging for food and looking for mates.
According to FWC bear management program coordinator Dave Telesco, the agency is seeing an increase in calls about bears in neighborhoods around the state. The animals are lured into neighborhoods to feast on unsecured trash. His best advice: Do not feed the bears.
It is also illegal to feed bears in Florida.
“Problems arise when bears have access to people-related food sources such as pet foods, garbage, barbecue grills, birdseed or livestock feed,” Telesco said. “Bears learn very quickly to associate people with food, and this puts the animals at increased risk of illegal kills or crossing highways and getting hit by vehicles.”
Black bears normally are too shy to risk contact with humans, but their strong food drive can overwhelm these instincts. Residents can help these bears “move on,” so they don’t cause a conflict.
“If people remove the attractants, the bears will stay where we want them to stay – in wooded areas – and not enter urban and suburban neighborhoods,” Telesco said.
Properly storing and securing garbage is a proven method of discouraging bears. Barbecue grills should be stored in a secure place, such as a garage or a sturdy shed when they are not in use (typically evenings). Keep garbage cans secure and only place them outside on the morning of pickup, rather than the night before. People can encourage their neighbors, community or local government to use bear-resistant trash containers or dumpsters. To find out where to get them, go to MyFWC.com/Bears and select “Brochures & Other Materials.”
“Another way people can help is to feed pets indoors or bring in dishes after feeding,” Telesco said.
“Relocating bears is not always the best option,” Telesco explained. “Most bears do not stay where we put them, and more than half of the bears we move just end up causing conflicts again in a new location.”
“If you see a black bear, remain calm. Don’t run. Walk calmly toward a building or vehicle and get inside,” Telesco said. “If you have children or pets, bring them inside. Once you are in a secure location, encourage the bear to leave by banging pots and pans, blowing a car or air horn or whistle. The more stressful a bear’s encounter with you, the less likely it is to come back.”
If a bear is in a tree, leave it alone. Remove people and dogs from the area. The bear usually will come down and leave when it feels safe, which is typically after dark.
If the bear is threatening the safety of humans, pets or livestock or is causing property damage, report it to the FWC at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
Pictured: A young black bear was spotted at the Wild Oak Farm Apartments in Cantonment last Sunday. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Northview High Presents Spring Concert (With Video)
May 24, 2012
The Northview High School Spring Concert was held recently at the school, featuring a night of music from the band and guitar ensemble.
Performances included “The Mountain” by Grieg/Trans-Siberian Orchestra as arranged by Northview’s Elaine Holk. The performance is available in the video below.
Pictured above: The Northview High School Spring Concert. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Romney Out Front In Florida
May 24, 2012
Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney moved ahead of President Barack Obama among Florida voters in the latest Quinnipiac University Polling Institute poll released Wednesday. The survey also shows most voters disapprove of the way the president is doing his job.
The poll shows Romney leading Obama 47-41 percent among Florida voters. That is up from a statistical dead heat two weeks ago and a Q-Poll conducted in March that showed the president with a 49-42 percent lead.
The independent poll also indicates that 63 percent of voters would not be more likely to vote against Obama based on the president’s recent support for same-sex marriage, but 23 percent of likely voters say it would make them more inclined to vote for Romney.
Taken together, the poll results show a definite swing in Romney’s favor, according to Peter A. Brown, assistant vice president of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.
“Gov. Mitt Romney has slipped into the lead in Florida and that standing is confirmed by his much better numbers than the president when voters are asked whether they view the candidates favorably or unfavorably,” Brown said in a statement.
By a 44-35 margin, Florida voters view Romney favorably while Obama is given an unfavorable response 50 percent of the time. Voters were even more negative on the president’s job performance, with 52 percent rating Obama’s job performance unfavorably and saying he does not deserve a second term.
Also of concern to Democratic leaders, Romney is favored 44-36 percent by independent voters, an increasingly critical bloc in Florida’s recent elections.
Obama’s recent public support for same-sex marriage may also affect the president in the critical swing state. While about two in three voters say the president’s support of gay marriage would not sway their vote, 23 percent say they would be more inclined to vote for Romney.
The same-sex question could prove decisive in the Florida races, as 22 percent of respondents said the issue was “very important” or “extremely important.”
“While the issue of same-sex marriage looks like it affects only one-third of Florida voters, we know from experience what a few votes can mean in the Sunshine State,” Brown said.
The poll, which included 1,722 registered Florida voters, has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.4 percent.
By The News Service of Florida
Pictured: Mitt Romney campaigns in January at The Fish House in Pensacola. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Texting And Driving: The Wade Jernigan Story (With Video)
May 24, 2012
It was a seemingly ordinary, but cool early December morning when Ken Jernigan said goodbye to his son, 16-year old Kenneth Wade Jernigan. They talked about their plans for the afternoon before Wade headed toward class at Northview High. They told each other other that they loved one another. Dad hung up the phone, thinking just how proud he was of his son.
A few moments later, he learned about the accident. Wade was northbound on Pine Barren Road north of Breastworks Road when he drifted off the roadway onto the shoulder as he attempted to travel around a curve. He over-corrected, lost control and struck a tree.
On the way to the accident, Ken and his wife where hoping and praying that Wade would be OK, and hoping for just a little fender bender.
It was much worse.
“My heart just dropped,” Ken said in a video entitled “The Cost of Distracted Driving” produced by Gulf Power (video below). The driver’s side of the truck was wrapped around an oak tree. Ken wanted to run up and help him like he’s always done before. Because that’s what daddies do.
“This time I couldn’t do that. I was pretty helpless.”
Ken watched as first responders used the Jaws of Life to remove Wade from the truck. Then he heard LifeFlight. He knew that wasn’t a good sign.
Wade was known for being a neat dresser. That December morning, he was wearing a white polo shirt.
“I didn’t see any blood anywhere,” Ken said. “I couldn’t see where he was hurt….I heard him gasp for breath…he’s alive.”
Wade had a severe head injury and was flown to Sacred Heart as Ken Jernigan drove to Pensacola. A few hours later, the news from the surgeon was a parent’s nightmare.
“Your son’s brain dead. There’s nothing they can do for him.”
The good memories flooded Ken’s mind. Baseball. Hunting. Fishing. All the fun times.
Wade had made a decision to be an organ donor. His organs saved six other lives.
It was after his funeral that Ken, as he searched for answers, discovered what he believes caused the accident.
Texting. He had left for school about 8:05 a.m. For the next 12 minutes, he texted back and forth with several friends.
“It was the only oak tree on that side of the road for a mile…he slid into it, right on the driver’s door.”
At 8:17 a.m., Wade sent his final text.
“It’s so important that we talk to our families, talk to our kids…to be more observant when driving,” Ken said. “None of us can drive and be distracted.”
Inset photos: NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Flomaton Baseball Coach Anthony Davidson Retiring
May 24, 2012
Flomaton High School coach Anthony Davidson is retiring after 30 years as the Hurricane’s baseball coach.
His retirement comes after Flomaton’s trip all the way to the Class 2A semifinals in 2012 and a Class 2A state championship back in 1988. His overall record is 470-320.
Overall, Davidson has coached for 33 years — he was at Escambia County High School in Atmore one year and spent a couple of years at Munford.
Pictured above and below: Flomaton’s Hurricanes made it to the Class 2A semifinals this year under the leadership of coach Anthony Davidson. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Judge To Weigh Florida Prison Health Privatization
May 24, 2012
Eight months after a judge tossed out a controversial prison-privatization plan, attorneys will argue next week about the constitutionality of a state decision to contract with companies to provide inmate health care.
Leon County Circuit Judge Kevin Carroll will hold a hearing Tuesday focusing on budget fine print that lawmakers approved last year directing the Florida Department of Corrections to privatize prison health services.
Opponents, including the Florida Nurses Association and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, filed lawsuits early this year challenging the move. Like in the prison-privatization case, they argue that lawmakers improperly used the budget fine print — known as proviso language — to require the health care changes.
In a pre-hearing document filed last month, the nurses association said privatization of health services is a “substantial policy decision” that must be approved in a regular law, not in the annual budget.
“The (Florida) Constitution prohibits using appropriations acts to enact or change substantive law,” association attorneys wrote in the document.
But the state and two potential contractors dispute that lawmakers acted improperly and argue that the health-care issue is different from the prison-privatization plan that was found unconstitutional. They contend, in part, that the Department of Corrections already had the legal authority to contract for health services, regardless of the language added to the budget.
“Plaintiffs seek to prevent (the department) from entering into contracts for the provision of inmate health care by attacking the validity of proviso,” the state said in a court document this month. “However, the (department) has authority to enter into such contracts independent of the proviso.”
The department has already sought proposals from companies that would provide the services. Last month, Secretary Kenneth Tucker sent a letter to legislative leaders and the governor’s office recommending that Corizon, Inc., receive a contract for prisons in North and Central Florida, while Wexford Health Sources would receive a contract in South Florida.
Privatization is a highly controversial issue in state government, as workers fear they will lose jobs or see shrinking pay and benefits if private companies begin providing services. Supporters, including some key Republican legislative leaders and Gov. Rick Scott, say privatization can save tens of millions of dollars for the state.
Leon County Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford last September blocked a legislative plan to privatize 29 prison facilities across the southern half of the state, ruling that lawmakers violated the constitution by making the changes in the budget fine print. The state has appealed Fulford’s decision, and a hearing is scheduled June 27 in the 1st District Court of Appeal.
In including prison-health privatization in the 2011-12 budget, lawmakers required that the change create at least 7 percent in cost savings compared to 2009-10 expenses. Wexford, which along with Corizon has formally intervened in the lawsuit, argued in a court document this month that the savings requirement justified the Legislature’s use of proviso language in making the changes.
“Clearly, then, the impetus behind the proviso language was the achievement of cost savings,” Wexford said in the document. “Saving tax dollars is properly connected with the subject of appropriations.”
The opponents, however, raise a series of objections about using proviso language to help make what likely would be permanent changes in the prison health system.
By The News Service of Florida
Pictured: The medical unit at Century Correctional Institution. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Braves Beat Blue Wahoos 5-2
May 24, 2012
Mississippi shortstop Andrelton Simmons recorded four hits including a two-run home run, while starting pitcher Zeke Spruill held the Pensacola offense to two runs on three hits as the Braves defeated the Blue Wahoos 5-2 on Wednesday night in front of another sellout crowd at Pensacola’s Bayfront Stadium.
The victory gives Mississippi a 1-0 lead in the series, and improves their record to 20-25 on the year, as Pensacola fell to 22-24 this year. It was the 14th sellout crowd to take in a Blue Wahoos game in their 20th opening.
Simmons (4-4, 1 R, 2 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI) got the scoring started in the third inning with his first longball of the season, a two-run shot that gave the Braves the early 2-0 advantage. From there he would add two doubles after tallying a single in his first at bat of the contest, falling a triple shy of the cycle. C Christian Bethancourt (2-4, 1 R, 1 RBI) was the only other hitter for either side to record a multi-hit effort in the contest.
The Blue Wahoos were held without a baserunner until the fifth, when they plated two runs to even the contest at 2-2. LF Yordanys Perez began the frame with a single before scoring on 3B David Vidal’s RBI triple to cut the deficit in half. Vidal would subsequently score on 1B Stephen Hunt’s sacrifice fly to left to bring the game back to a draw.
Mississippi however, countered in the following frame with a trio of tallies. 2B Phil Gosselin got the rally started with a single, and would come across on 1B Ian Gac’s run-scoring double, while back-to-back RBI base knocks from Bethancourt and LF Alden Carrithers added a pair of insurance runs for the Braves.
Spruill (7.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 7 SO) earned the win to improve to 4-4 in 2012 after allowing just two earned runs on only three hits, in addition to seven strikeouts in his seven innings of work. Relievers Cory Rasmus (1.0 IP, 2 SO) and Mark Lamm (1.0 IP, 1 BB, 1 SO) then tossed the final two hitless innings in support of Spruill, with Rasmus notching his third hold and Lamm his fifth save.
Pensacola starter Tim Gustafson (5.2 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO) suffered the loss after yielding five earned runs on eight hits in 5.2 frames. Relief pitchers Wilkin De La Rosa (0.1 IP, 1 H), Chris Manno (2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 3 SO) and Mark Serrano (1.0 IP, 1 BB) combined to pitch the final 3.1 scoreless innings.
The Blue Wahoos and Braves will face off again tomorrow night, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 pm from the bayfront stadium. RHP J.C. Sulbaran is expected to take the hill for Pensacola, while Mississippi is slated to counter with RHP Gary Moran.
By Andrew Green
Pictured: David Vidal had an RBI triple in the Blue Wahoos’ 5-2 loss Wednesday night. Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Energy Star Recognizes Escambia School District
May 24, 2012
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has presented an Energy Star School Award to the Escambia County School District.
Energy Star buildings use an average of 35 percent less energy than typical buildings and are also responsible for 35 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than their peers.
And they are also less expensive to operate.
Since it began, the Escambia County School District’s energy conservation program has reduced energy consumption by nearly 23 percent, resulting in a cost avoidance of more than $20 million, according to a district news release.
Last year, the Escambia County School District’s energy savings were equal to more than 83,200,000 kBtu, or more than 12,200 metric tons of CO2. That is like taking nearly 2,200 cars off the road or growing more than 312,000 seedlings for 10 years, according to the district.
Shooting Victim Indentified
May 23, 2012
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has released the name of the man who was shot Tuesday in Ensley.
Rodney DeAngelo Ries, 23, was shot in the leg and torso after an argument escalated into gunfire near the intersection of Action and Elbert streets, a short distance from Ensley Elementary School, according to investigators.
Ries was taken to West Florida Hospital. His injuries did not appear to be life threatening, the Sheriff’s Office said.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has not released any further details about the shooting as they continue their investigation.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.