Forbes Names Area One Of The Country’s Best Places To Retire
June 25, 2012
Forbes magazine has named the Pensacola area as one of the top 25 Best Places to Retire in the Nation.
The magazine cites the area’s overall good weather, average home prices at $134,000, an above average number of doctors and cost of living as reasons to retire in around Pensacola. But the threat of hurricanes and high crime are listed as negatives for the area.
Escambia School Board Looks To Change Graduations At Civic Center
June 25, 2012
The Escambia County School District is looking at making a change to high school graduation exercises held at the Pensacola Civic Center.
With the physical layout used earlier this month, some attendees were sitting behind the stage at some graduation exercises, including the one for Tate High School. Superintendent Malcolm Thomas, the school board and high school principals are looking at other ways to arrange the stage on the civic center floor to allow more people to see their student graduate.
A plan is expected to be formulated in the coming weeks to be implemented for the Class of 2013 graduations.
Pictured: The Class 0f 2012 graduation at the Pensacola Civic Center. NorthEscambia.com file photo by Wendy Meredith, click to enlarge.
CRIME — Man Convicted In Drunken Dispute With Estranged Wife
June 25, 2012
A Cantonment man has been convicted on two misdemeanor charges after a drunken dispute with his estranged wife.
John James Orcutt, age 28 of Schifko Road, was found guilty of disorderly intoxication and resisting an officer without violence. Felony charges of burglary of an unoccupied vehicle and petit theft were dismissed. Orcutt was sentenced to 12 months probation and 30 hours of community service.
In early February, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to disturbance call on Mills Avenue off Gulf Beach Highway where they found Orcutt and his estranged wife arguing in the middle of the street. The responding deputy said Ocrutt yelled an expletive at him multiple times before he was taken into custody.
The victim told deputies that she and Orcutt had been separated for several weeks and that he had broken into her mother’s 1999 pickup truck, taking personal belongings and throwing them to the ground, taking $300 which he later returned and taking her driver’s license.
Deputies found the pickup with its tailgate down and several items, including a hubcap, clothing and a driver’s license removed from the vehicle and tossed about.
While Orcutt was being transported to the Escambia County Jail, he told the deputy that he had been drinking a lot and had taken three Xanax bars before breaking into the vehicle because he was mad, according to the arrest report.
Courts To Ditch Paper And Go Electronic
June 25, 2012
In courthouses across Florida, shelves are lined with bulging files of legal documents.
But changes released Thursday by the Florida Supreme Court may lead to paper court files going the way of phone books and faxes in the increasingly e-world.
Justices unanimously approved rule changes that will require almost all court documents to be filed electronically. The changes, which have been extensively studied by Florida Bar rules committees and other groups, will gradually take effect by the end of 2013.
“The proposed amendments represent a significant and important step toward our goal of a fully electronic court system by transitioning from permissive to mandatory electronic filing,” Justice Barbara Pariente wrote for the court in a document approving the changes.
Parts of the state and federal court systems have already taken steps toward ditching the old paper-heavy way of doing business. The Florida Supreme Court and federal courts, for example, make copies of filings available online to the public — though fees are charged for accessing many federal court documents from outside of courthouse computers.
The Supreme Court said a number of Florida trial courts, as well as courts such as the 1st District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee, have moved forward with electronic records. But the new changes would essentially move from a system that permits filing electronic records to one that requires it.
The filing requirements will take effect April 1, 2013, in parts of trial courts that handle civil, probate, small-claims and family-law cases. They will take effect Oct. 1, 2013, in parts of trial courts that handle criminal, traffic and juvenile cases. Changes in electronic-filing procedures that affect the Supreme Court and district courts of appeal will take effect Oct. 1, 2012.
In a related move, justices also announced Thursday requirements for attorneys to serve legal documents to each other by e-mail.
Justices said they will phase in the court-filing requirements to make sure local clerks are able to accept and maintain electronic records. Also, it said state attorneys, public defenders and regional counsels, which accept cases that public defenders can’t handle, are under budget pressures that limit their ability to upgrade technology and train employees.
“The new rules and amendments to existing rules we adopt represent an important step in this ongoing effort to change the ways that the judicial system operates from a paper world to an electronic world,” justices said in requiring the changes. “In that effort, the Court keeps at the forefront that our court system must be accessible, fair, and effective.”
Some attorneys, however, expressed concerns as the changes were being formulated. Those concerns, which were submitted in written comments, ranged from a preference for paper to worries about electronic security.
“I would respectfully note that I can count on one hand how many times mail has been lost, but I would need to use both hands and take off my shoes to start counting how many times emails have been lost,” Sarasota attorney Kurt E. Lee wrote at one point.
Justices included limited exemptions to the filing requirements, such as for people who represent themselves in cases. But the court pointed to several potential benefits in going electronic and said the Legislature also has backed such a move.
“As the Legislature has indicated, implementation of an electronic filing process should reduce costs, increase timeliness in the processing of cases, and provide the judiciary with case-related information to allow for improved case management,” the justices said in the document.
By The News Service of Florida
Wahoos Win Third Straight
June 25, 2012
The Blue Wahoos were playing from behind almost all game until Beau Mills blasted his second home run of the year, a three-run shot, in the top of the ninth to propel the Blue Wahoos to an 8-7 victory over the Chattanooga Lookouts at AT&T Field in Chattanooga, Tenn. on Sunday afternoon.
Daniel Corcino labored through four innings in his no-hit encore. The right-handed prospect walked three in the first inning and dropped a throw back to him after his third walk of the inning which allowed Rafael Ynoa to score the Lookouts first run of the game. He surrendered two more runs in the fourth on a two-run double to Ynoa which gave Chattanooga a 3-0 advantage. Corcino was done after four laborious innings in which he walked six batters and hit one. Despite his control issues, he didn’t allow his first hit until two were out in the fourth. He only gave up two hits for the game, the same number of strikeouts he had on the afternoon.
Pensacola rallied to tie the game in the sixth inning. Brodie Greene sparked the comeback with a leadoff double. He scored later in the inning with David Vidal on a Beau Mills ground-rule double. Brian Peacock scored the third and game-tying run on a wild pitch.
The Lookouts were quick to answer with four runs off the Blue Wahoos bullpen in the bottom of the sixth to go back in front with their biggest lead of the game, 7-3. Pensacola started another comeback in the seventh with a pair of runs to pull back within two.
In the ninth, it was again Greene with a leadoff hit to ignite another rally. Two batters later, Peacock collected his second hit of the game to put runners on the corners for Mills. Already with an extra-base hit and two RBI, Mills blasted a three-run homer over the right field wall for what proved to be the game winning home run. The 8-7 advantage was the first lead of the game for Pensacola.
Justin Freeman (4) came in and slammed the door in the ninth to lock down the win for Pensacola and earn his fourth save of the season. Chris Manno (1-1) picked up his first win of the season after working a scoreless eighth inning. Logan Bawcom (2-3) gave up the three ninth inning runs and was charged with the loss.
Mills finished the game 2-for-4, and his five RBI game is a new Blue Wahoos record. Greene finished 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. Didi Gregorius (2-for-5, R), Peacock (2-for-4, 2 R, RBI) and P.J. Phillips (2-for-5) also contributed two hit games.
The Wahoos already own a series win, but look to make it four-straight on Monday night. The Blue Wahoos will send RHP J.C. Sulbaran (5-4, 4.25) to the mound against LHP Chris Reed (0-0, 2.00). First pitch is set for 6:15.
By Tommy Thrall
Pictured: Brodie Greene scored three runs as part of his 3-for-4 day for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Early Morning Wreck Claims Life Of Escambia Man
June 25, 2012
A 41-year old Escambia County man died Monday morning as the result of injuries he received in a single vehicle traffic crash.
David D. Watkins of Pensacola was westbound on V-1 Innerarity Point Road about 1:15 a.m. when he lost control for unknown reasons and struck a sign, chain link fence and a large tree. He was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital where he passed away a short time later.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Nathan Lee Berry
June 25, 2012
Mr. Nathan Lee Berry, 22, passed away on Tuesday, June 21, 2012. Mr. Berry was native of Gulfport, MS, a former resident of Perkinston, MS, and a resident of Flomaton for the past 10 years. He was a member of Friendship VFD, Century VFD, and Blue Branch Hunting Club. He was active in community service. Mr. Berry was a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. He loved his family and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He was employed as lieutenant at Lifeguard Ambulance Services in Santa Rosa County.
Survivors include his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Berry Jr. of Flomaton; wife, Tiffany Hanks Berry of Flomaton; one daughter Anna Claire Berry of Flomaton; unborn son Mason Lee Berry; brother, Brandon (Charity) Berry of Perkinson, MS; sister Sarah (Quinton) Wright of Flomaton; two nephews, Brantley and Hunter Berry of Perkinston, MS; father and mother-in-law Steve and Theresa Hanks of Bratt; brother-in-law, Brett and Davy Hanks; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Berry Sr. Perkinston, MS, Pat Moran of Pass Christian, MS, Mr. and Mrs. Cary Hanks of Bratt, and Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Turk of Flomaton; great-grandmother, Mrs. Ruth Peterson of Gulfport, MS; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, June 26, 2012, at 10 a.m. at the Flomaton High School auditorium with Rev. Alan Hart and Rev. Brandon Berry officiating.
Burial will follow at the Pleasant Home Cemetery.
Visitation will be Monday, June 25, 2012, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Flomaton High School Auditorium.
Pallbearers will be Quinton Wright, Terry Boutwell, Cpt. Gerald Ward, Tom Denner, Cpt. Shaun Moye, Lt. Morgan Johnson, Larry Martin and John Fowler.
Honorary Pallbearers will be LifeGuard, Century and Friendship VFD, and Atmore Ambulance.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC in charge of all arrangements, Atmore, Alabama.
One Seriously Injured In Highway 29 Crash (With Photo Gallery)
June 24, 2012
One person was seriously injured in a crash Sunday afternoon on Highway 29 south of Cox Road.
John David Watters was northbound on Highway 29 when his Mercedes C280 rear-ended a flatbed wrecker that was out of the northbound travel lane on the paved shoulder of Highway 29 to tow a broken down vehicle.
The collision completely sheared off the passenger side of the car. Watters was transported to a Sacred Heart Hospital in serious condition. There were no passengers in the car.
The wrecker driver, 68-year old James Allen Bodiford of Cantonment, and the persons with the broken down car were not injured.
Watters was charged with careless driving, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
For a photo gallery from the scene, click here.
Pictured: One person was seriously injured after reader-ending a flatbed wrecker Sunday afternoon on Highway 29 in McDavid. The doors and right side of the vehicle were sheared off by the collision. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bratt Elementary Awards (With 5th Grade Photo Gallery)
June 24, 2012
Award days were recently held at Bratt Elementary School.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The following awards were presented to students at Bratt Elementary:
Honor Roll: Students who made all A’s
- 1st Grade:
- Emilee Cabral
- Kennedy Long
- Bailie Merchant
- Clay Wilson
- Emma Gilmore
- Luke Bridges
- Abbie Buford
- Aiden Broadhead
- Gabby Franklin
- Caitlyn Gibson
- Mckenna Simmons
- 2nd Grade:
- Tanner Boone
- Travis Nelson
- Kara Hawkins
- Haley Baker
- Sarah Margaret Hetrick
- Anna Adams
- John Bashore
- Zane Gurganus
- 3rd Grade:
- Savannah Doremus
- Makayla Garrett
- April Johnson
- Autumn Williams
- Conner Byrne
- Shelby Godwin
- Amber Gilman
- Lane Wilson
- Kenna Redmond
- Jaylon North
- Hannah Hughes
- Abigail Nelson
- 4th Grade:
- Keaton Brown
- Kinzie Rackard
- Bailey Van Pelt
- Amanda Franklin
- Anna King
- Christopher Nordman
- Lexi Broadhead
- Teriana Redmond
- 5th Grade:
- Cailee Wilburn
- Lexxi Baggett
- Ashtyn Carnley
- Alabama Gilley
- Lydia Smith
Honor Roll: Students who made all A’s and B’s
- 1st Grade:
- John Michael Ward
- Da’Mius Wesley
- Brody Black
- Noah Casson
- Jamyla Feagin
- Trent Knighten
- Alyssa Stabler
- JP Gilman
- Braeden McGhee
- Kendall Wise
- Leah Berry
- Carter Sigafoose
- Connor Wolfe
- Ryan Dove
- Alexis Evans
- Sarah Branch
- David Gilley
- Blaize Parrish
- Matthew Pruitt
- Arquavian Smith
- Vivyan Smith
- 2nd Grade:
- Kiara Wesley
- Emilee Bomba
- Gracie Godwin
- Dallon Rackard
- Cassie Davis
- Adrianne Shanks
- Angel Merchant
- Ashton Cloud
- Anna Lee
- Kaleigh Macks
- Shelby Rice
- Paige Gibbs
- 3rd Grade:
- Franki Daw
- Shane Hardin
- Cheyenne Philyaw
- Ty Wise
- Kayla Campbell
- Audrey Odom
- Taviana Parker
- Summer Waters
- Maggie Amerson
- Jacob Conley
- Michael Merchant
- Mary Paige Nassar
- Tyler Cloud
- Madison Peterson
- Libby Pugh
- Wyatt Dillon
- 4th Grade:
- Juliana Bryan
- Cody Edwards
- Gabe Henderson
- Joseph Parker
- Cassidy White
- Wyatt Windham
- Karlee Criswell
- Colton Dockens
- Hunter Wainwright
- Sheyenne Dillon
- Jackson Edwards
- Savannah Spence
- Shelby Bartley
- Jason Fayard
- Colby Morris
- 5th Grade:
- Ann Margaret Boothe
- Caren Cannon
- Catherine Casey
- Cameron Long
- Gabbie Peebles
- Aaliyah Tucker
- Samantha Roux
- Madison Nassar
- Justin Cruce
- Meggan Brown
- Zachary Hilton
- Katie Buford
- Logan Chavers
- Delaney Reynolds
- Savannah Fullerton
- Allison Rice
Improvement Awards
- Kindergarten:
- Brandon Bartley
- Sophia Bailey
- Adam Adams
- Brendan Hulley
- Angel Schoonover
- Dennis Pittman
- Irmani Dixon
- Noah Condrey
- Paris Burt
- Mandell Smith
- 1st Grade:
- Malonie Curry
- Torian Richardson
- Noah Casson
- T’ahna Wesley
- Tatyanna Findley
- Erich Amerson
- Ar’mya Findley
- Zion Newton
- 2nd Grade:
- Samantha Pope
- Mary Rice
- AJ Hasty
- Rachael Sanders
- Jakayla Jackson
- Andrew Denton
- 3rd Grade:
- Cody Thomas
- Da’Merion Findley
- Jacob Findley
- Alyssa Ward
- Kyiah Bailey
- Dakota Bryan
- Sharday Ewing
- Weston Williams
- Garret Bodiker
- Joshuwa Merchant
- 4th Grade:
- Trent Peebles
- Reba Rhinehart
- Kelley Bradley
- Ansleigh Maholovich
- Cassidy Boutwell
- Payton Jackson
- Colby Morris
- Beverly Skaggs
- 5th Grade:
- Michael Ward
- Cammie Carter
- Keosha Davis
- Gabby Kline
- Jessey Reaves
- Reini Bodiker
Outstanding Attendance
- Kindergarten:
- Leah Hetrick
- Brandon Bartley
- Jaimee Taylor
- Sara Amerson
- Scotty Elliott
- Tyondray Sanders
- Landon Mooney
- Jae Heaton
- Zada Lowery
- Bentley Van Pelt
- 1st Grade:
- Malonie Curry
- Tony Hall
- David Stokes
- Emma Gilmore
- Anastasia Bryan
- Abbie Buford
- Trent Knighten
- Alyssa Stabler
- Riley Blackwell
- Tatyanna Findley
- Tobias Madison
- Zion Newton
- McKenna Simmons
- Arquavian Smith
- 2nd Grade:
- Emilee Bomba
- Lola Capps
- Drake Jordan
- Mekhi White
- Travis Nelson
- Dallon Rackard
- Ashton Cloud
- Miyhanna Davidson
- Anna Adams
- John Bashore
- Dakota Peebles
- 3rd Grade:
- Shane Hardin
- Cheyenne Philyaw
- Franki Daw
- Savannah Doremus
- April Johnson
- Jalexis Robinson
- Cody Thomas
- Kayla Campbell
- Cedriana Carter
- Michael Sanders
- Madelin Sheedy
- Tyler Cloud
- Savannah Stokes
- Bryuana Bivins
- Maggie Amerson
- Hannah Hughes
- Jaylon North
- Paris Findley
- Adam Miller
- Libby Pugh
- 4th Grade:
- Keaton Brown
- Juliana Bryan
- Bailey Van Pelt
- Wyatt Windham
- Kinzie Rackard
- Maurio Allen
- Logan Brown
- Colton Dockens
- Anna King
- Eric King
- Christopher Nordman
- Dalton Philyaw
- Shelby Bartley
- Brianna Carter
- Zy’kia Davis
- Cameron Findley
- Neionni Findley
- Colby Morris
- Savannah Roley
- Beverly Skaggs
- 5th Grade:
- Gabbie Peebles
- Madelyn Plant
- Jeremiah Woods
- Lexxi Baggett
- Meggan Brown
- Keosha Davis
- Justin Cruce
- Susannah Amerson
- Larry Philyaw
- Delaney Reynolds
- Shelby Bashore
- Tanner Deese
- Lydia Smith
Perfect Attendance: (no absents, tardies, nor check outs)
- Kiara Wesley
Outstanding Citizenship Award
- Kindergarten:
- Leah Hetrick
- Maggie Godwin
- Sarah Bailey
- Berklee Hall
- Hunter Johnson
- Mariah Casson
- Noah Condrey
- Kyra Bryan
- Bentley Van Pelt
- Tucker Hall
- 1st Grade:
- Landon Chavers
- Tony Hall
- Kendall Wise
- Emma Gilmore
- Ryan Dove
- Wyatt Jarvis
- Summer Harrell
- David Gilley
- 2nd Grade:
- Kara Hawkins
- Kiara Wesley
- Sarah Margaret Hetrick
- Tereasia Burt
- Anna Adams
- John Bashore
- 3rd Grade:
- Makayla Garrett
- April Johnson
- Shelby Godwin
- Cedriana Carter
- Bryuana Bivins
- Destiney Bradley
- Hannah Hughes
- Amber Gilman
- Madison Peterson
- Libby Pugh
- 4th Grade:
- Bailey Van Pelt
- Keaton Brown
- Anna King
- Amanda Franklin
- Lexi Broadhead
- Teriana Redmond
- Savannah Roley
- Neionni Findley
- 5th Grade:
- Gabbie Peebles
- Aaliyah Tucker
- Samantha Roux
- Madison Nassar
- Kayla Baggett
- Larry Philyaw
Art Awards
- Mariah Casson
- Leah Hetrick
- Sarah Bailey
- Noah Condrey
- Carsyn Dortch
- Tony Hall
- Emma Gilmore
- Connor Wolfe
- Vivyan Smith
- Drake Jordan
- Sarah Hetrick
- Braxton Peebles
- April Johnson
- Taviana Parker
- Michael Merchant
- Amber Gilman
- Madison Peterson
- Joseph Parker
- Kelley Bradley
- Savannah Spence
- Shelby Bartley
- Madelyn Plant
- Justin Cruce
- Delaney Reynolds
P.E. Awards
- Maggie Godwin
- Gage Eicher
- Tatum Hasting
- Scotty Elliott
- Bentley Van Pelt
- Kennedy Long
- Noah Casson
- Ryan Dove
- Caitlyn Gibson
- Gracie Godwin
- Cassandra Davis
- John Bashore
- Braiden Rice
- Connor Byrne
- Kaylee Sawyer
- Jaylon North
- Joshua Merchant
- Luke Smith
- Anna King
- Terianna Redmond
- Neionni Findley
- Cailee Wilburn
- Lexxi Baggett
- Lydia Smith
Music Awards
- Raekah Abbott
- Berklee Hall
- Brandon Bartley
- Mayson Edwards
- J.T. Dunson
- Bailie Merchant
- Blaize Parrish
- Carter Sigafoose
- Chloe Criswell
- Samantha Pope
- Addison White
- Zane Gurganus
- Jalexis Robinson
- Summer Waters
- Lane Wilson
- Madelin Sheedy
- Kiwianna Mc Pherson
- Jayden Sanderson
- Diamond Brown
- Melissa Sunday
- Trent Kite
- Aaliyah Tucker
- Memory Peebles
- Reini Bodiker
Escambia, Santa Rosa Emergency Officials Watching Debby
June 24, 2012
Forecasters say the worst of Tropical Storm Debby will not hit Escambia or Santa Rosa counties, but the storm bears watching for a possible change in direction. And county officials say now is the time to review your disaster plans.
The following information has been released by local emergency management officials:
Escambia County:
- The National Park Service has closed Fort Pickens Park due to concerns about coastal flooding.
- Escambia County Emergency Management is closely monitoring the forecast track for Tropical Storm Debby. Further updates will be issued as needed.
Santa Rosa County:
- There is a high risk of strong/dangerous rip currents at the beaches and the risk will likely continue through early next week.
- Given the recent heavy rains in the area, the thresholds for flooding are lower than normal.
- Santa Rosa County Emergency Management is currently monitoring and preparing for any possible effects. While the emergency operation center is not activated at this time, staff are watching the system closely and participating in conference calls with the National Weather Service and State Emergency Operations Center.
Steps Residents Can Take Now
- Beachgoers, swimmers and surfers should heed red flag warnings and stay out of the water as deadly rip currents and rough surf conditions are expected.
- Review your family disaster plan. Don’t forget special plans for elderly, handicapped, children and pets.
- Know your evacuation zone.
- Make plans to secure your property. Check for, fix or remove loose items on your structures/homes. Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and down spouts.
- Make sure your hurricane kit contains non-perishable food, water, medications for three to five days for each family member and pet.
- Know what low-lying areas near your home are subject to flooding such as creeks, drainage channels, streams and bayous.