Gulf Tropical System In February? Seriously.
February 6, 2012
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring an area of disturbed weather in the southern Gulf Of Mexico. That’s not a typo — despite the early February date on the calendar.
The system is located off the coast of Cuba, and the chances of development are marginal, according to forecasters. But, “this area is being closely monitored for possible further development,” according to the Hurricane Center.
It’s not likely the area will become a depression or tropical storm, unless the area finds a little window with decreased wind sheer.
There has only every been one tropical storm recorded in February. It formed in the same spot in the Gulf and tracked into southeastern Florida on Groundhog Day, February 1952 with sustained winds of 50 mph.
Northview Awards Top Girls’ Weightlifting Team Members
February 6, 2012
Northview High School held their annual Girls’ Weightlifting banquet recently, honoring several team members.
Awards included:
- Lakelyn Parker and DeeDee Johnson — Most Improved Lifters. Both girls increased their combined weights by 30 pounds from the beginning to end of the season.
- McKenzie Nasser — Most Valuable Lifter. She earned the most points for Northview at their half dozen season meets.
- Madalyn Coon — Coaches’ Award. She earned Northview points, made improvements and was dependable, according to the coaches. Her positive influence was evident as she attended all practices, meets and the team’s fundraiser.
- Senior Award — Brittany Thompson.
Pictured top: Northview Weightlifting team members (L-R) DeeDee Johnson, Lakelyn Parker, Madalyn Coon and McKenzie Nasser. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Changing Employee Retirement Plans
February 6, 2012
The Town of Century is making changes to to their employment retirement plans.
Rather than retirements accounts with the state — which earned about 0.37 percent annual interest last year, accounts are being moved to the private company AXA Equitable. Employees will be able to determine their own individual investment strategy from different investment funds.
That will will results in a “better working and accumulation vehicle for the employees”, according to town accountant Robert Hudson. In addition, the AXA funds will require less administrative paperwork on the town’s part, saving employee time.
Town of Century employees are vested in their retirement accounts on a sliding scale, becoming fully vested after seven years of service.
Families Count Expands Services To All Of Escambia
February 6, 2012
A federal grant will allow Families Count to expand its family health services to all of Escambia County later this month.
Families Count is a non-profit, charitable organization made up of social workers, nurses and other professionals. The group has offered services in a limited portion of Escambia County in the Pensacola area since 1999.
The services are provided by a trained specialist in-home once a week, and focus on the positive aspects of raising a child. For more information, contact Families Count at (850) 437-1450
Six Injured After Car Hits Escambia County Ambulance
February 6, 2012
Five people were injured after a car hit an Escambia County EMS ambulance Saturday night in Pensacola, and a pedestrian at the wreck scene was hit a short time later by another vehicle.
The incident happened about 7 p.m at Fairfield Drive and 9th Avenue. The driver of a Nissan Sentra pulled into the path of the ambulance, which was responding to an emergency. Five people in the Sentra received minor injuries. There were no injuries in the ambulance.
A short time later, a child that was watching first responders work stepped into the street and was bumped by a car. The child’s injuries were very minor and did not require transport to the hospital.
John Douglas “Doug” Godwin
February 6, 2012
John Douglas “Doug” Godwin, age 71 of Bratt, died Sunday, February 5, 2012, in Century. He was retired from Lance, Inc. He was born at Bratt on July 22, 1940 to the late Clyde Edward and Myrtle Agnes Ledkins Godwin.
He is preceded in death by two brothers, Clarence Kenneth Godwin and Clyde Edward Godwin,Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Maxine Brooks Godwin of Bratt; one son, Michael Douglas Godwin and wife Angie of Newton; two daughters, Marsha Phillips and husband, Brandon, Julie McDonald all of Atmore; one brother, William Raymond Godwin and wife, June of Stockton; two sisters, Ruby Ellon Lowrey of Atmore, Judy Agnes Godwin of Gulf Shores; two grandchildren, Dustin and Megan; and many friends.
Services will be Tuesday February 7, 2012, at 2 p.m. from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Janet Lee officiating. Interment will follow in Godwin Cemetery in Bratt.
Family will receive friends, Monday evening, February 6, 2012, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Ada Bauldree Diamond
February 6, 2012
Ada Bauldree Diamond, age 97, of Jay, went to be with her Heavenly Father on February 6, 2012.
Mrs. Diamond was born January 21, 1915, to the late James Richard Bauldree and Annie Myers Bauldree in Enterprise, AL. Her family moved to Jay in 1927. In 1933, she married John Daniel (J.D.) Diamond and had nine children. Together they farmed and operated a grocery store until they retired in 1967. After retirement, they enjoyed camping and fishing with family and friends. She was a member of Jay First Assembly of God and loved to go to church and listen to preaching and gospel music.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, John Daniel Diamond; sons, Richard Edward Diamond, Charles Rudolph Diamond, and John Clinton Diamond; son in laws, Hardy Renfroe and Dennis Williams; one grandchild, Vickie Diamond; Two sisters, Ethel Mae Stewart and Cora Lee Noles; six brothers, Hubert Smith, Lloyd Smith, James Bauldree, T.D. Bauldree, Willard Bauldree, and Alfred Bauldree. Survivors include: five daughters, Addie Rue (Bud) Mote, Linda Williams, Annie Merle Renfroe, Paulette (Tommy) Roberts, and Delorise Ann (Glenn) Gavin; one son, James Earl (Faye) Diamond; two daughter in laws, Doris Diamond and Mary Diamond; 22 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren; and 13 great, great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at Jay Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, February 9, 2012, at Jay First Assembly of God with Rev. Ron Carnley and Rev. Frederick Barrow officiating.
Burial will follow at Cora Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her grandsons.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at The Terrace at Ivey Acres Assisted Living Facility, Covenant Hospice and Dr. Jeffrey Kelley for the special care given to Mrs. Diamond during her last few months.
Sharplesss Graduates From USMC Boot Camp
February 6, 2012
Private Aaron R. Sharpless, 20, of Walnut Hill graduated from United States Marine Corps boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island on January 20, 2012.
Private Sharpless successfully completed 13 weeks of intensive basic training at MCRD Parris Island as one of 62 recruits in Training Platoon 1001.
Following 10 days home on leave he will report to Camp LeJeune for one month at Military Combat Training then Military Occupation Specialty School in Pensacola.
Two Early Morning North Escambia Wrecks Cause Injuries
February 5, 2012
Two wrecks in the early morning hours Sunday left at two people injured in North Escambia.
The first accident happened about 3:30 a.m. near County Road 97 and Tobias Road in Cantonment. The driver of a minivan lost control, left the roadway and the van overturned into a tree. The vehicle came to rest on its side against the tree. The driver was able to crawl out of the vehicle as rescuers arrived and was transported to a Pensacola hospital.
The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS responded to the crash.
The second accident happened about 4:30 a.m. on Highway 4 near Still Road in Bratt. The driver of a pickup truck lost control, left the road way and the truck overturned. When the first firefighters from the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Atmore Ambulance arrived on scene, they were unable to locate the driver of the vehicle. They later determined that the driver had been transported by someone else to Atmore Community Hospital.
Both accidents are under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The names and conditions of the drivers have not been released.
Escambia County Takes Stance Against Closing Molino FSA Office
February 5, 2012
Escambia County is officially speaking out in opposition to the federal government’s plan to close the USDA Farm Services Agency Office in Molino.
The Escambia County Commission has passed a resolution against the closing at the urging of Kevin White, who represents District 5 including Molino.
“The Escambia County FSA office is a vital resource to address the claims and concerns of citizens in Escambia County,” the county’s resolution states.
On January 9, the USDA announced the closure of their Molino office, the only Farm Service Agency Office in the North Escambia area on the list. The Santa Rosa County office in Milton and the Escambia County (Ala.) Office in Brewton will remain open.
The USDA has proposed to streamline operations and decrease costs under a plan that includes the consolidation of 131 county FSA offices in 32 states, including six in Florida. Many of the offices slated for closure, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said, have a very small staff and are located within 20 miles of other USDA offices. In other cases, he said, technology improvements, advanced service centers, and broadband service have reduced some need for brick and mortar facilities.
The Molino FSA Office administers farm commodities, crop insurance, credit, environmental conservation and emergency assistance for farmers and ranchers in Escambia County.
Click here to read a full copy of the resolution.
Escambia County’s resolution will be forwarded to Senator Marco Rubio; Senator Bill Nelson; Congressman Jeff Miller; Tony Jackson, director, USDA Farm Service Agency; Timothy Manning, executive director, Florida State Farm Service Agency; and Jeff Barber, District 1 director, Florida State Farm Service Agency.
Last week, dozens of farmers and producers gather in a meeting to speak out against closing the service center. To read more, click here.