Beer Truck Becomes A Bit ‘Tipsy’, Overturns On Nine Mile Road
May 4, 2012
There were no injuries when an 18-wheeler hauling Bud Light beer became a little “tipsy” on West Nine Mile Road near Beulah Friday morning.
For an unknown reason, the 18-wheeler overturned onto its side as the driver exited from I-10 to West Nine Mile Road. The driver, 51-year old Antonio Purifoy of Cantonment, was taken to West Florida Hospital with minor injuries.
Purifoy was cited by the FHP for careless driving.
The accident happened about 8:25 a.m. and caused traffic delays four about eight hours, according to FHP.
Submitted photo by Meridith Caum for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Falls To Mosley In Quarterfinals
May 4, 2012
The Tate Aggies lost their Region 1-6A quarterfinal game Thursday night to the Mosley Dolphins.
Tate jumped out to an early lead with an RBI single to left field in the first, and another RBI single in the third. But Mosley tied it up 2-2 in the third before scoring a go-ahead run with a single up the middle. Mosley increased their lead to 5-2 in the fourth.
The Aggies cut the lead to 5-4 in the fifth, with the sixth and seventh inning scoreless.
With the loss, the Aggies season came to an end with a 22-6 overall record, 12-2 in the district.
Tate Hitters: David Moorhead 2-4, 2RBI, 1R; JT Granat 2-4, 1RBI; Mac Siebert 1RBI; Maverick Champman 2-3; Hunter Black 2-4; Austin Quina 0-3, 1R
Photos: The Dastardly Dr. Devereaux Dress Rehearsal
May 4, 2012
The Northview Spring Musical “The Dastardly Dr. Devereaux”, will be presented Friday at 6:30 p.m.
The play follows the dastardly Dr. Dogsbreath Devereaux and his equally evil nurse, Hilda Hatchet, as they plot to wrestle away the Hanover D. Cash Clinic from Hanover’s sweet and very wealthy widow, Lotta Cash.
Dr. Phil Good, the good hero, and the heroine, Wendy March, try foil the evil Dr. Devereaux and nurse Hatchet.
Throw in a little love, marriage, flirting, burlesque dancers, murder, zany patients and more….and the audience won’t know what’s happening next at the Hanover D. Cash Clinic.
Tickets will be on sale Friday at the NHS office. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door for reserved seating.
For over 100 photos from a Thursday afternoon dress rehearsal, click here.
Pictured inset: Scenes from a dress rehearsal Thursday afternoon of “The Dastardly Dr. Devereaux” at Northview High School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Gives Final Approval $3.6 Million 4-H’s Langley Bell Sale To Navy Federal
May 4, 2012
The Escambia County Commission officially approved the sale of the 240-acre Langley Bell 4-H Center to Navy Federal for $3.6 million in a short meeting Thursday afternoon.
The commission — acting as trustees for the 4-H County Council — voted 4-0 to sell the property on Beulah Road. Commissioner Wilson Robertson abstained from the vote because he is a member of the 4-H Foundation and also because he might have future business relationships related to the development of the land.
On April 23, young 4-H Council members, who represented 4-H Clubs across the county, voted 21-16 in favor of the sale and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that specifies what happens next to 4-H.
The MOU also called for the creation of aa 4-H Extension Task Force to consider what happens next for 4-H between two proposed options.
Navy Federal will pay $3.6 million for the property next to the credit union’s campus in Beulah. The Escambia Commission will also contribute $1.5 million in local option sales tax funds to construct a new 4-H building with the plans subject to the approval of the Extension Service.
Option one of the approved MOU will construct the new building on 23 acres at the Escambia County Extension Service on Stefani Road. The first option also provides for 20-30 acres next to the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center in cooperation with the Escambia County School Board for animal-related programs and other appropriate 4-H activities. This property will be in addition to the facility to be located at the Extension Service on Stefani Road.
The second option would allow for the purchase of other acreage and propert with up to $1.6 million of the Navy Federal sale proceeds for the use of the 4-H program. The “Friends of 4-H”, a group of of 4-H supporters, is calling for the purchase of former the former Bayer Crop Science Facility on Crabtree Church Road in Molino. The 250 acres stretches from Crabtree Church Road north to Highway 97 near Molino Park Elementary School.
Pictured top: The Langley Bell 4-H Center. Pictured top inset: 4-H County Council President Devon Bell signs off on the ballot results April 23 signifying the 4-H Council’s agreement to sell Langley Bell to Navy Federal. Pictured below: A portion of the neighboring Navy Federal complex in Beulah can be seen in the background of this photograph of the Langley Bell Building. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
National Day Of Prayer Marked In Century, Atmore (With Photo Gallery)
May 4, 2012
Prayers for local communities, leaders, residents and businesses filled the air in Century and Atmore on Thursday during the 61st Annual National Day of Prayer.
“We need You (God) in our town,” Century Mayor Freddie McCall said during Century’s observance Thursday morning. “I need you in our town.”
“I pray for the safe return of our troops,” said Scott Nelson, father of LCpl Travis Nelson who was killed in action, as he prayed for the military and local law enforcement, firefighters and EMT’s. “And for the families…only You can provide comfort in the their hearts.”
The Rev. Willie Carter, a retired educator, prayed for education. “Help us to realize in all our teachings and knowledge that without you it would be in vain,” he said.
“Help kids to see that having Jesus in your heart is the coolest thing they can do,” Century resident Carlos Kyles prayed.
Also participating in prayer during Century’s event was Robin Punyko from Gulf Power, praying for business; William Reynolds of NorthEscambia.com, praying for media; Rev. Jeff Dwenger, praying for churches; and Laura Nelson, praying for families.
Atmore National Day of Prayer
In Atmore, the threat of rain from the heavens pushed National Day of Prayer participants from a local park into the gym at Escambia County High School. Community, business and spiritual leaders led those gathered in prayer before participants read the entire Bible out loud in 30 minutes.
For more photos from the Atmore National Day of Prayer events, click here.
Pictured above and below: A National Day of Prayer service in Atmore. Photos by Marcella Green Wilson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge. Pictured inset: Century Mayor Freddie McCall prays as his city marked the National Day of Prayer Thursday. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Want To Read Rick Scott’s Email? Now You can
May 4, 2012
Email communications with the governor and his top office staff will be available on line as part of an effort Gov. Rick Scott said Thursday will fulfill a promise made on this first day to hold himself and his leadership team accountable.
Dubbed Project Sunburst, the web-based service will make public emails from Scott and 11 of his top staff available to the public, many within 24 hours. The governor said plans to expand the program to include agencies under his control.
“I invite Floridians to view my emails, as well as those of my leadership team, to learn more about how we are working to make Florida the best state for businesses to grow and expand and create jobs.”
Emails are available with search capabilities on the governor’s website at www.flgov.com/sunburst through Microsoft Outlook Web Access. Individuals can access the Sunburst system by using the user name and password “sunburst”. The governor’s office said it will continue to comply with regular public record requests.
Jim Allen Sock Hops Raises Money For Relay For Life
May 4, 2012
Jim Allen Elementary School students recently held a Relay for Life Sock Hop to raise money for the Relay of Life of Greater Escambia at Tate High School. The Jim Allen students were able to enjoy wearing crazy socks and dancing to raise $426 for the American Cancer Society. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Friday And Saturday Events: Rodeo, Relay, Sawmill Day, Mayfest, May Day, Music Night, Yard Sales
May 4, 2012
Several big events are going on Friday and Saturday in the North Escambia area, including:
Tate FFA Rodeo (Fri-Sat)
The 21st Annual Tate FFA Alumni Foundation Rodeo will be held Friday and Saturday nights.
The rodeo will be held at the Escambia County Equestrian Center at 7750 Mobile Highway in Beulah on May 4 and 5 at 7:30 nightly. Advance tickets are available at Hill Kelly Dodge and Farm and Nursery Mart. Advanced tickets are $8 for adults, $3 for children. At the gates, tickets will be $10 for adults and $5 for children.
A free hands-on rodeo will be held for special needs persons Saturday morning, May 5 beginning with breakfast at 7:00 followed by safe rodeo events about 8:00. There will be bull (barrel) riding, barrel racing (stick horses), calf roping (hay bales with cow head), photos with rodeo queens, a petting zoo, wagon rides, beanie bag toss and more.
2012 Relay for Life of Greater Escambia — Tate High School (Fri-Sat)
The 2012 Relay for Life of Greater Escambia will begin with an opening ceremony at 6 p.m. Friday at Tate High School. The “Thunder Lap” will be at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Survivor Lap at 6:40 p.m. The Luminaria Ceremony will be at 9 p.m. The Relay will continue until noon Saturday.
Century — Sawmill Day (Sat)
The second annual Sawmill Day and Car Show will take place Saturday at the Historical Park at the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Fourth Street in Century. Continuous entertainment, car show, Old 100 logging and sawmill steam locomotive restoration in progress, inside yard sale, Turtle Point petting zoo, food and refreshments. For more info, click here.
Flomaton — May Day (Sat)
Saturday will be May Day in Flomaton. Events begin with 5K run at 8 a.m. on Martin Luther King Drive, followed by food, entertainment, games, water slides for the children, BBQ rib cook-off and more.
Flomaton – Benefit Yard Sale (Sat)
A benefit yard sale and bake sale will be held May 5 at Flomaton First Baptist Church from 8 a.m. until for the medical bills of Blaze Johnson (son of Chris “Squeaky” and Katherine Johnson). For info or to donate yard sale items, contact Renee Merchant at (850) 791-4106. There is also a benefit account under the name “Baby Blaze Fan Club” at Region’s Bank.
Atmore – Mayfest (Sat)
The annual Mayfest in Atmore will take place from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday at Tom Byrne Park on Lindberg Avenue. Arts and crafts vendors, food, live entertainment and more. Free admission.
Regional Electronic, Household Hazardous Waste Roundup (Sat)
Electronics, household hazardous waste (HHW) and other items not accepted into the regular garbage stream will be accepted at the Regional Roundup on Saturday, May 5, from 8 a.m. until noon at Carver Middle School, 150 East Pond Street in Century. Businesses and residents of Escambia County, Florida, can dispose of all types of clean, dry, recyclable electronics including computers, monitors and terminals, keyboards, mice, printers, TVs, copiers, gaming systems, remotes, fax machines, VCRs, stereo systems, cell phones and telephones. Electronics that have been gutted will not be accepted.
Barrineau Park Music Night (Fri)
Barrineau Park Bluegrass/Country/Gospel Music Night, Friday, May 4. Doors and food open at 6 p.m. with one free drink and dessert for all moms. The Wayfarers at 6:30 p.m. and Down Home at 7:30 p.m. Free family event (donations accepted).
NHS Girls Track: Can You Spare A Dollar?
May 4, 2012
It’s a simple fundraiser underway by the Northview High School girl’s track team team — it’s a No Calorie and No Dust collecting fundraiser. The team is having a dollar drive — skipping asking people to buy expensive items to raise money. Instead, they are opting to ask Chiefs fans to just donate a buck.
During the first week of the event, the team raised $75. They are still asking friends, family and alumni to donate, and there’s special interest on from just how far away a donation might be sent.
Donations can be made to:
Northview High School
Girl’s Track
4100 West Hwy 4
Century, Fl 32535
The money collected with used to enhance the girl’s track program at Northview such as a camp and new equipment.
Pictured: This display on a wall at Northview High promotes a girls track team fundraiser. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
PIP Sponsors Say Governor Will Sign Bill Despite Glitch
May 4, 2012
Two key lawmakers behind Florida’s no-fault insurance reform package said Thursday they expect the governor to sign the new law Friday despite a potential glitch that could delay payments to some health providers.
House sponsor Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton , and his Senate counterpart Joe Negron, R-Stuart, said they’ve been assured that potential loopholes in portions of HB 119 will be plugged by agency rulemaking, or if that doesn’t work, an executive order during a six-month window that has been highlighted as a potential problem.
“I think the legislative intent is clear.” Negron said.
Lawmakers earlier this year passed the measure to make changes to personal injury protection insurance, a $10,000 medical benefit that critics say is rife with fraud, overutilization and litigation.
During the back and forth between chambers, authors overlooked the fact that a potential six month gap in coverage exists. While the new payment requirements kick in Jan. 1, other portions of the bill become effective six months earlier.
The gap raised red flags among some providers, who worried that insurers following the letter of the law would not have to make payments for a long list of health services.
State insurance regulators say they have been in contact with carriers over what they consider an obvious oversight and have been assured that insurers will continue to pay claims during that window.
Jack McDermott, spokesman for the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, said the agency expects few if any glitches in payments to providers.
Just in case, the Agency for Health Care Administration, which licenses health providers, is drafting language to clarify that payments to qualified providers will continue to flow.
“The purpose of the bill was not to create a six month gap,” McDermott said. “AHCA has publicly said they are going to issue rules to clear this up. We’ve encouraged insurers privately that PIP providers should be paid.”
The no-fault coverage, known as PIP, has come under fire from insurance industry representatives who say that staged crashes and skyrocketing use of non-emergency medical treatment have caused premiums for the coverage to rise dramatically.
PIP reform became a legislative priority for Gov. Rick Scott, who applauded lawmakers for coming together during the session’s final days to hammer out a compromise.
The law’s major provisions kick in Jan. 1, 2013 and include a detailed framework for which medical providers are eligible for reimbursement under PIP coverage. The list included physicians, hospitals, and chiropractors.
Other provisions of the law however, kick in six months earlier, leaving the potential that insurers would not be required to reimburse providers during that period. Sponsors, however, say such a potential is not expected to keep Scott from signing the bill Friday.
“If it comes to that I think there will be an agency rule to make it clear what we’re doing,” Boyd said. “But I don’t think it is going to come to that.”
By The News Service of Florida