New Escambia Voter Registation Cards Being Mailed
June 4, 2012
All Escambia County voters will receive a new voter information card in the next few weeks, according to Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford.
The new cards will reflect district and precinct changes associated with the once-a-decade redistricting process. In addition to precinct boundary changes resulting from new district lines, several of Escambia County’s precincts have been consolidated.
The popularity of absentee voting and early voting has resulted in a decrease in the percentage of voters casting their ballot at the polling place on Election Day. Stafford said in the last presidential election more than half of all votes in Escambia County were cast before Election Day.
As a result of this decreased usage, budgetary constraints, and redistricting, 11 of Escambia County’s 90 precincts have been consolidated into adjoining precincts. The plan was approved by the Escambia County Commission last month.
All registered voters will receive a new voter information card, which will contain not only the new House and Senate information, but also the precinct number and polling location.
Voters can also use the “Precinct Finder” option at EscambiaVotes.com, or call the Supervisor of Elections office (850-595-3900) to find their polling location. A precinct map of the county is also available at EscambiaVotes.com/maps. In addition, all voters will be mailed a personalized sample ballot prior to the beginning of early voting for both the Primary and General Elections, which will include their polling place information.
Pictured: Escambia County’s district five.
Jacksonville Suns Hold Off The Blue Wahoos, 5-4
June 4, 2012
Jacksonville scored five runs in the final three frames, including two in the ninth, and stopped a last inning Blue Wahoos rally as the Suns defeated Pensacola 5-4 on Sunday afternoon in Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
With the win the Suns improve to 27-30 and take a 2-0 lead in the series, while the Blue Wahoos fell to 25-32 in the loss.
After Jacksonville entered the frame tied at 4-4, RF Jose Duarte led off with a walk, advanced to second on pinch hitter Kyle Jensen’s base knock and moved to third on a groundout before coming home on 2B Paul Gran’s sacrifice fly to take the lead. After an intentional walk placed Jensen at second, C Kyle Skipworth reached base on a strikeout, with a Pensacola defensive miscue bringing home Jensen to put the Suns ahead by two.
The Blue Wahoos would not go down without a fight however in their half of the ninth. With two outs, CF Ryan LaMarre and SS Didi Gregorius reached on back-to-back singles before 2B Brodie Greene sent in LaMarre to cut the deficit to one, but Jacksonville reliever A.J. Ramos was able to set down 1B Joel Guzman to shut down the comeback hopes.
Pensacola and Jacksonville were held scoreless until the fifth, when the Blue Wahoos struck first with two tallies. RF Andrew Means and C Chris Berset got it started with consecutive singles, while starting pitcher Tony Cingrani helped his own cause by reaching on an infield single to load the bases from LaMarre. The outfielder would drive home Means with a base knock to right before an RBI groundout from Gregorius made it 2-0.
The Suns got three runs in the seventh to take their first lead with three straight run-scoring singles from pinch hitter German Duran, SS Chris Gutierrez and Gran. The Blue Wahoos then drew the margin even at 3-3 in their half of the seventh courtesy of Gregorius’ RBI single to score LaMarre.
Cingrani (6.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO) did not receive a decision in his Double-A debut despite yielding just two earned runs on five hits in 6.2 innings, while Jacksonville starter Jose Alvarez (5.1 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 SO) also did not factor in the final decision for the Suns. Ramos (2.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 SO) earned his third win of the year after allowing a run on four hits in the final two frames, while Pensacola closer Donnie Joseph (0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 SO) suffered the loss.
Gran, Skipworth and CF Donnie Webb all tallied a pair of base knocks for the Suns in the victory, while LaMarre led all batters with three hits. Gregorius, Greene and 3B David Vidal each collected multi-hit efforts as well in the loss.
Jacksonville and Pensacola are scheduled to meet again on Monday evening, with first pitch set for 7:00 pm. The Blue Wahoos are expected to send RHP Kyle Lotzkar to the bump, while the Suns are expected to counter with RHP Bryan Evans.
By Andrew Green
Scott Appeals State Employee Drug Testing Case
June 4, 2012
Gov. Rick Scott has followed through on his vow to appeal a federal court ruling that blocked drug testing of state employees.
Scott’s attorneys have filed a notice of taking the case to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta. The governor said he would pursue an appeal after Miami federal judge Ursula Ungaro ruled last month that a plan to drug test employees violated constitutional protections against unreasonable searches.
Scott issued an executive order last year calling for drug testing, but it was quickly challenged by the American Civil Liberties Union and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. State lawmakers this year also approved a measure aimed at drug testing, but it has not been carried out because of the legal fight.
The notice of appeal does not detail the arguments that Scott’s attorney will make.
By The News Service of Florida
Vivian Dobbs Burns
June 4, 2012
Vivian Dobbs Burns, age 97 of Jay, passed peacefully Monday morning June 1, 2012.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years William Eddie “Bo” Burns; parents, William and Mary Dobbs; children, Lena Mildred, Cecil Jackson and William Brady “Bill” Burns; siblings, Cecil Dobbs, Wyvern Dobbs, Thelma Settles, and Dorothy Baker.
She is survived by one daughter, Lucy Burns (Richard) Luker; grandchildren, Adair (Jimmy) Cotton, Dedra (Ronnye) Thomas, Brady Burns, Dennis (Anne) Luker, Barry (Keli) Luker, and Vivian (Edward) White; great grandchildren, Kyle, Breine, Lauren, Brooke, Richard, Jonathan, Garrett, Alex, Will, Taylor, Dalton, Jack, Seth, and Elizabeth; great great grandchildren, Lance, Hunter, and William; cousins, Dot and Amos Burns; special caregivers, Pete and Dottie Rowell and Joyce Whittaker and many relatives and friends.
Vivian was a lifelong resident of Santa Rosa County, a graduate of Jay High School and Troy University. She worked as a substitute teacher and in the adult school until becoming the first female principal in Santa Rosa County for the Jay Adult School. She was very active in the community and was a charter member of the Jay Chapter #208 Order of the Eastern Star for nearly 65 years.
Funeral services will be held at Jay First Baptist Church on Tuesday, June 5, 2012, at 2:00 p.m.. with Bro. Earl Green officiating. Burial will follow at Jay Cemetery.
A visitation will be held on Monday, June 4, 2012 from 6-8 p.m. at Jay First Baptist Church.
Active Pallbearers will be Brady Burns, Kyle Burns, Jimmy Cotton, Ronnye Thomas, Garrett Thomas, D.J. Whitbey, Pete Rowell, and Alberto Alcantar.
Honorary Pallbearers will be the sisters and brothers of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Flowers are welcome or donations in memory of Vivian can be made to Jay First Baptist Church. Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
No Arrests In Weekend Flomaton Armed Robbery
June 4, 2012
There have been no arrests in a weekend robbery at a Flomaton convenience store.
The Kangeroo Express at Sidney Manning Boulevard (Hwy. 29) and Wilkerson Street was robbed at gunpoint about 10:30 Saturday night.
The incident, which was captured on the store’s surveillance video, shows two white males entering the store. Both were described as being of about average height. One was about 160 pounds, wearing a black ski mask, a black jacket with a camouflage stripe across the shoulders and khaki pants. The other was described as about 180 pounds wearing a black ski mask and khaki pants.
One of the men was armed with pistol, according to Flomaton Police Chief Daniel Thompson. They fled the store on foot.
The Flomaton Police Department, the Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Office, and the Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office joined in a manhunt for the suspects using K-9 dogs. After several hours, the unsuccessful search was called off.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call the Flomaton Police Department at (251) 296-5811.
Pictured above and below: These reader submitted cell phone images show police on the scene of an armed robbery Saturday night in Flomaton. Submitted photos by Anthony Stinson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview High School Class Of 2012 Graduates (With Photo Gallery)
June 3, 2012
Just over 100 members of the Northview High School Class of 2012 graduated Saturday.
The graduation ceremony was dedicated to the memory of late Northview teacher Tommy Weaver, who passed away earlier this year. Each graduate wore a button pinned over their hearts with Weaver’s picture.
Valedictorian Elizabeth Wright urged the graduates to look toward the future, as did Salutatorian Holly Dickson. As part of her address, Dickson led the graduates and hundreds in attendance in a short prayer.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
A complete list of graduates is below the bottom photo, scroll down.
Pictured top: Valedictorian Elizabeth Wright delivers her address to the Northview High School Class of 2012 Saturday afternoon at the school. Pictured inset: Each graduate wore a button pinned over their heart with a photo of late teacher Tommy Weaver. Pictured below: The NHS Class of 2012 celebrates. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Summa Cum Luade (4.0 and above)
- Elizabeth Ashley Wright — Valedictorian
- Holly Nicole Dickson – Salutatorian
- Joel Nathaniel Wetzel
- Amber Dianrie Francis
- Josie Britt Doucette
- Caleb Wesley Leonard
- Jamila Akilah Codrington
- Lydia Ann Weaver
- Lindsay Beth Hedgepeth
Magna Cum Laude (3.85 and above)
- Brian Jeffrey Ross
- HenryJoseph Baldwin
- Charla Suzanne Stark
- Taylor Leigh Ann Dukes
Cum Laude (3.5 and above)
- Arthur Jacob Baldwin
- Austin Randall Albritton
- Timothy Lucas White
- Camilah Joy Goetter
- Chelsea Grace Parham
- Melissa Jayne Moretz
- Alexander Dewayne Payne
- Lauren Ashley McCall
- Caroline Lindsay Prater
- Savannah Dyan Singleton
- Emily Lauren Allen
Other Graduating Members, Class of 2012
- Marquita Letara Allen
- Rebecca Shae Barnhill
- Zachary Thomas Barrow
- Heather Leeanne Barrows
- William Wayne Bolton, Jr.
- Joshua Tanner Brooks
- Heather Nicole Byrd
- Taylor Nicole Byrd
- Brandon Wayne Carnley
- Miranda Sheree Cawthon
- Brandon Scott Chambless
- Wesley Kyle Chancery
- Joseph Andrew Davis
- Jody Royce Day
- Quadry Dyquan Dixon
- Christina Danielle Donald
- Jordyn Lynn Dunsford
- Brandon Cole Eicher
- Andrew Devon Farrow
- Alissa Rae Fiellin
- Jamie Lee Gafford, Jr.
- Elisha Ann Galvan
- Kimberly Cheyanne Garnett
- Jacob Nathaniel Gibson
- Daniel Levaughn Graham
- Charles Hampton Hadley
- Joshua Michael Hammond
- Steven Michael Hesler
- Tyler Ernest Hester
- Hannah Marie Hinton
- Bessy Elizabeth Hollingsworth
- Connie Taylor Hubbard
- Lantz Richard Jones
- Cory Robert King
- Sean Te’Andre Knight
- Jacob Dale Lisenby
- Christopher Ryan Loncar
- Kyle David Long
- Seth Alexander Long
- Blake Nathaniel Luker
- Dylan Lee Marquis
- Arran Priecie McCants
- Cody Alan McCarty
- Tayler Christiane McCurry
- Ashley Nicole McDaniel
- Charleigh Victoria McPherson
- Coty Stephen Merchant
- Kayla Amanda Miles-Carvin
- C’lovonta Douglas Mitchell
- Montaio Dearies Mitchell
- Kelly Renee Morgan
- Abigail Christiane Odom
- Kiani Lynne Okahashi
- Seth Anderson Picheo
- Tanya Lynn Poston
- Justin Alan Purvis
- Bobby Chase Reid
- Taylor Nicole Rigby
- Alexandra Nicole Riggs
- Darwin Eugene Robinson, II
- Michael Scott Sepulveda
- Autumn Rose Slay
- Raylin Miranda Spence
- Samuel Scott Spence
- Austin Ryan Strehl
- Sherie Nicole Stuckey
- Nolan Cole Taylor
- Nathan Therrell
- Brittany Danyel Thompson
- Mallory Paige Turner
- Marcus Ryan Walker
- Tyler Dewayne Walker
- Autumn Victoria Walters
- Casey Todd Ware
- Jerald Lamar Williams
- Casey Lane Wooten
- Jamie Thomas Young
The First End Of Course Exam: Escambia Students Do Well
June 3, 2012
The results are back for Florida’s first “End of Course” exam that partially replaces the FCAT math exam. Beginning this year, ninth graders must pass the algebra EOC exam to graduate.
No matter the student’s grade in their algebra course — even a perfect 100 — the student must pass the end of course exam to receive credit for the class. Students that did not score a proficient 3.0 or higher on a 1-6 scale will have three additional opportunities to take the exam to receive course credit.
In Escambia County, 65 percent of students taking the algebra EOC exam passed, while 64 percent passed in Santa Rosa County.
“The scores indicate progress,” Escambia Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said. “The scores show that the students learn when teachers are teaching a particular subject matter.”
The passing numbers were much higher at the middle school level in Escambia County, where more advanced level eighth grade students take the class for high school credit. At Ernest Ward, Ramsom, Workman, Brown Barge, Woodham and Ferry Pass middle schools, 95 percent or more of eighth grade students passed the exam.
At the high school level, West Florida (77 percent), Tate (70 percent) and Northview (65 percent) had the highest percentage of students passing the algebra exam. The other high schools in the county had between 50 and 60 percent of students to pass.
At Jay High School, which includes both middle and high school students, 56 percent passed.
Tate High School Class of 2012 Baccalaureate Today
June 3, 2012
Baccalaureate service for the Tate High School Class of 2012 will be held this afternoon.
The service will be held in the Worship Center at Olive Baptist Church at 3 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
List: Vacation Bible Schools
June 3, 2012
Vacation Bible Schools will begin this week at churches in the North Escambia area.
To add a VBS to this list, email news@northescambia.com
VBS at Brooks Memorial Atmore
“Gold Rush” Vacation Bible School at Brooks Memorial Baptist Church, 904 McRae Street in Atmore, June 4-8 from 8:30-11:30 a.m.
VBS at First Baptist Flomaton
Vacation Bible School at the First Baptist Church of Flomaton, June 4-8 for ages 5 through 6th grade. Registration is 8:30 a.m. daily; VBS is 9 a.m. until noon. Info: (251) 296-2453.
VBS at Flomaton Pentecostal
Flomaton Pentecostal Holiness Church will hold “Sky-With God All Things Are Possible” Vacation Bible School June 4-8 from 5:30 until 8:15 p.m. Need a ride on the church bus? Call Angie at (251) 236-0304.
VBS Canoe Baptist
Vacation Bible School at Canoe Baptist Church, June 10-14 from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. A Fun Day to kick off the “SonQuest Rainforest” VBS will be held on June 9 from 4-6 p.m.
VBS First Baptist Church of Bratt
Vacation Bible School at the First Baptist Church of Bratt, June 11-15 from 8:30 until 11:30 a.m. each day. Family night will be Friday, June 15 at 6:00.
Heritage Baptist VBS
Vacation Bible School at Heritage Baptist Church at 3065 Hwy 297A in Cantonment, June 11-15 from 6-8:45 p.m. for children who have completed K-5. For information, call Melissa at (850) 478-3316 or register online at www.excitingheritage.com
VBS FBC Wallace, AL
Amazing Wonders Aviation VBS at the First Baptist Church of Wallace (AL), June 11-15, 6-8 nightly. Family night on Friday night.
VBS Cottage Hill UMC
Vacation Bible School at Cottage Hill United Methodist Church, June 18-22 from 6-8 p.m. For grades K-9. Supper provided.
VBS First Baptist Atmore
Vacation Bible School at the First Baptist Church of Atmore, June 18-22 from 5:30 until 8:00 nightly. Preschool to 5th grade.
Berrydale Baptist VBS
Berrydale Baptist Church “Amazing Wonders Aviation” Vacation Bible School, June 18-22 from 9 a.m. until noon. 6730 Hwy 4, Jay.
Blackwater Baptist Milton
Blackwater Baptist Church at 11689 Munson Highway in Milton will hold Vacation Bible School June 24-June 28 from 5:30 until 8 p.m. VBS Family Night will be Thursday June 28 beginning at 7 p.m. with VBS Commencement followed by homemade ice cream, homemade desserts and more. (850) 957-4044.
Little Escambia Baptist – Flomaton
Little Escambia Baptist Church in Flomaton will have VBS July 16-20 from 8:30 a.m. until noon for four-year olds through the sixth grade. Also, the church will host a summer day camp each Tuesday from 8:30 until noon for four-year olds through the sixth grade. (251) 296-2777.
VBS – Walnut Hill Baptist Church
Walnut Hill Baptist Church will take flight June 25-29 with “Amazing Wonders Aviation” Vacation Bible School for children through the eighth grade. VBS will be held from 6-8:30 nightly, with a VBS celebration to be held after morning worship on Sunday, July 1.
Aldersgate UMC Molino VBS
“Operation Overboard” Vacation Bible School at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino, July 30-August 3. Daily activities 5:30-8:30 p.m. for ages 3 to rising fifth graders. Preregister now at www.aumcmolino.org. For more info, contact Sandra at (850) 587-2489.
Molino Park’s Harigel Wins With ‘Gas Man’
June 3, 2012
Elijah Harigel of Molino Park Elementary School was one of the winners in a recent Energy Services of Pensacola student drawing and essay contest.
ESP presents the free educational programs “Saving Energy is Easy,” “Sustainability & Energy Education,” and “Smart Energy Education” in participating schools. Each of the winning students received a $100 savings account, and the students were recognized by the Pensacola City Council last week.
In his entry, Harigel present “tips from Gas Man” to save money while saving energy.
Courtesy image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.