Hughie Jernigan
January 13, 2012
Mr. Hughie Jernigan, 85, passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at a Santa Rosa County hospital.
Mr. Jernigan was a native of Jay, a former resident of McDavid, and a resident of Century for the past 61 years.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sadie Ruth McCawley Jernigan; a daughter, Judy Dianne Bondurant; and a grandson, Steven Wayne Mize.
He is survived by his daughter, Joan and Gary Mize of Flomaton: a son-in-law, Don Bondurant of Flomaton; two grandchildren, Cynthia Mize Fiala of Foley, and Jeffery Bondurant of San Diego; and two great-grandchildren, Cole Bondurant and Tristan Bondurant.
Funeral services will be Sunday, January 15, 2012, at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home in Atmore with the Rev. Rich Gartman officiating..
Burial will follow at the Wadkins-Mize Cemetery.
Visitation will be Sunday, January 15, 2012, 1 p.m. until ffuneral time at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home
Pallbearers will be Eric Crews, Lee Jernigan, Randy Bondurant, Jake Bondurant, Bill Campbell and Jack McGraw.
Honorary pallbearers will be Frecky Crews and Billy Byrd.
Florida DOC To Close Seven Prisons, Four Work Camps
January 13, 2012
The Florida Department of Corrections announced Thursday that it will be closing seven prisons and four work/forestry camps by July 1. None of the facilities are in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties.
The DOC said the closures are part of a statewide consolidation plan and were due to declining prison admissions and excess bed space. No inmates will be released as a result of the decision.
The prisons being closed are Broward Correctional Institution (CI) in Ft. Lauderdale, Demilly CI in Polk City, Gainesville CI in Alachua County, Hillsborough CI in Riverview near Tampa, Indian River CI in Vero Beach, Jefferson CI in Monticello and New River CI (both units) in Raiford. In addition, River Junction Work Camp in Chattahoochee, Caryville Work Camp near Northwest Florida Reception Center in Washington County, Hendry Work Camp in Immokalee, and Levy Forestry Camp near Lowell CI in Ocala.
“Declining prison admissions has led to a surplus of prison beds, allowing us to pare down our budget shortfall by consolidating and closing our older, less efficient facilities. We are committed to placing as many affected staff as possible in vacant positions for which they are qualified,” said Secretary Ken Tucker.
Inmates will be relocated to institutions with vacancies that meet their custody, profile, health, education and risk assessment needs.
Pictured: A guard tower at Century Correctional Institution. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Molino Park, Jim Allen Students Dream Up One Of A Kind Inventions
January 13, 2012
Flying cars, traffic evaders, automatic bed makers and more were on display Thursday at Molino Park and Jim Allen elementary schools. Some of the brightest students at both schools presented their one of a kind inventions during an Invention Convention held at each school.
Students in each school’s Gifted Enrichment Classes displayed their projects they completed as part of their 15 week study of inventions and inventors. Each project included a prototype of the invention, information on how it works or how it would be used and the estimated cost.
“There were some really creative ideas,” Molino Park Elementary Principal Alice Woodward said. “They worked really hard.”
For a photo gallery of the Molino Park Gifted Enrichment Class inventions, click here.
Some of the items presented included:
- Tired of traffic on your morning commute? The Traffic Evader by Bryce Korinachk has the ability to fly over traffic using an air propulsion system. Simply refill the air cylinder with any air compressor and you are environmentally friendly when flying over traffic. The Traffic Evader’s sticker price is $75,000 to $80,000.
- The Splashula, at just $9.95 is a bargain for the grill or kitchen. Simply fill the spray bottle attached to your spatula with oil spray, and you’ll be a lean, mean pancake cooking machine — just spray the pan and flip the pancakes. Or, for the grill, load the squirt bottle with water. Flip the burgers and douse the flames in one easy step.
- The “Bathroom Reading Buddy” holds your books, magazines or perhaps even your iPad while in the bathroom for just $24.99. “It attaches to the side of the cabinet and extends out to hold your reading material,” according to inventor Connor Crisco. “When you are finished, just push it back up against the cabinet and it’s out of the way.” $24.99, magazines not included.
- The Auto Bed Maker is sure to please both moms and kids. “This device makes your bed faster than a strike of lightning,” according to inventor Clayton Smith. And, if you act now, it’s half price at just $40.
- The Flying Car (pictured) is a reality in another inventor’s project, but it’s going to hurt the bank account just a bit with a $100,000,00.90 sticker price. It’s easy to use, press the red button to fly; press it again to stop flying. But don’t forget where you parked it — the prototype model is camouflage.
- Girl Guardian is a GPS tracking device disguised as an attractive girl’s bracelet. It’s not recognized as a GPS device, so the bad guy’s won’t touch it. It can be constantly monitored for easy tracking, and includes a panic button for emergencies. And it’s good for the environment — it uses GPS chips from discarded cell phones.
- The 911 AED takes the automated external defibrillator a step further — open the lid and it automatically places a cellular 911 call with GPS coordinates for the dispatcher.
- Passing the sunflower seeds around the dugout at the neighborhood little league games is easier than ever with the Sandlot Seed Server. Simply place a cup under the server then “Open the Core and Let’em Pour” for only $49.99.
- Watered down soft drinks are a thing of the past with the Flavor Ice from Micah Calhoun. For just $50.69 it provides ice made out of the same drink that you are dispensing. “When this ice melts, it only makes your soda taste even better,” Calhoun said.
- The Sponge Shoe is just $9.99. It’s a shoe, it ’s a sponge — no it’s a sponge on shoe. Walk around, and all those little messes are cleaned right up. “It also saves my mom time because she does not have to mop the floor if it’s small mess that I can clean,” inventor Brayden Mickel said.
- The Bristle Bullet is an “easy, fun, cool way to clean your gun”, in Jenna’s project. A brush, like that used to clean baby bottles, is mounted on the tip of a bullet. Simply fire the bullet at your target and your gun is cleaned at the same time. A dozen would sell for $36.99.
- The Glow In The Dark Cork is perfect for night fishing. The glow in the dark paint glows like the moon. No more worrying about battery operated corks that fail when they crack.
- The $45 Dog Collar 3000 hold dog treats on Fido’s collar — no more running back inside for treats on those long winter walks.
- No more ropes with the sure to be American made Flag Raiser by Dalton Brown. For just $19.99, easy electronic controls automatically raise the flag.
- Travel Trays are manufactured of industrial grade stainless steel and collapse for easy storage. From an iPod to a Nintendo DS to McDonald’s fries or a pint of Ben & Jerry’s — the Travel Trays hold most everything with no spill.
- Ever had a fight in the kitchen with the roll of plastic wrap? Fight no more with the Wrap Trap at the introductory price of $7.50. It’s all about the control — the Wrap Trap holds the box of Saran or other wrap nice and steady on the counter while the included blade makes the cut.
Pictured top: The Bathroom Reading Buddy. Pictured inset: The Flying Car for just $100,000,00.90. Pictured below: A portion of the Flavor Ice machine. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
James Curtis Booth
January 13, 2012
Mr. James Curtis Booth, 80, passed away on Monday, January 9, 2012, in Leesburg, FL.
Mr. Booth was a native of Stanley Crossroads, a longtime former resident of Plainfield, IL and a resident of Leesburg for the past 16 years. He held many offices of the United Auto Workers, was a member of the union for many years at the Buick-Oldsmobile-Cadillac Plant in Chicago a U.S. Army Veteran of the 11th Airborne Division and attended the St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Leesburg.
He was preceded in death by a son, Michael Booth in 2002, and a grandson, Stephen Michael Booth.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Elizabeth Bridges Booth of Leesburg, FL; two sons, James Booth and Stephen Booth, both of Leesburg; three daughters, Roseanne Gomer of Naperville, IL, Lisa Smith of Orlando and Dawn Baumgartner of Coral Springs, FL; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a brother, Clifton Booth of Olive Branch, MS; a sister, Mattie Ruth Bailey of Canoe, AL.
Funeral services will be Saturday, January 14, 2012, at 10 a.m. at the St. Roberts Bellarmine Catholic Church with Father Gordon Milsted officiating..
Burial will follow at the Magnolia Cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday, January 13, 2012, from 6-8 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home
Bill Would Block Drug Felons From Getting Cash Assistance
January 13, 2012
The House Health and Human Services Access Subcommittee Wednesday morning voted 9-6 in favor of a bill that would require the Department of Children and Families to deny cash assistance benefits and food assistance benefits to anyone who has been convicted of a felony for the possession of drugs on or after July 1, 2012.
The bill has an exception for people who have gone through a drug treatment program, and would allow the appointment of someone else to receive benefits on behalf of the person’s children.
The measure is sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Smith, R-Inverness, who last year sponsored a measure requiring drug tests for those seeking cash assistance.
That bill passed but has been challenged in court.
By The News Service of Florida
Carolyn Joy Floyd Poley
January 13, 2012
With her family by her side, Carolyn Joy Floyd Poley passed away on January 8, 2012, after a lengthy battle with liver cancer. Carolyn was born in Corpus Christi, TX, on May 1, 1957, to Clyde and Edith Floyd. Carolyn lived the majority of her child and adult life in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Carolyn is survived by her husband of 20 years, Clifton Scott Poley and her five children: daughter, Karri Anne Yonker and fiancé, Chad Adkins; son, Stephen Lee Yonker; daughter, Shelly Marie Yonker Campbell and Justin Cuyler; son, Justin Ryan Poley; and son, Brandon Scott Poley. She also leaves grandchildren, Kristen Nicole Bigner, Kelsey Lee-Anne Bigner, and Levi Ryan Yonker.
Carolyn is also survived by her brothers and sisters, Marilyn Bernard, Jean Hopkins & Ducky, Bobby Holland and Diane, James Holland and Gloria, and Cressie Tucker and Bill.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her mother, Edith Whiddon Floyd and her father, Clyde Duvall Floyd.
Viewing will be held on Friday, January 13th, from 5-8 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North at 1000 Highway 29, Cantonment. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 14 at 11 a.m. at Little Flock Primitive Baptist Church at 3218 Molino Road.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to any of the following: Northwest Florida Blood Services (blood donations or monetary), The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, or The American Cancer Society.
Groups Can Apply Now For Escambia United Way Funding
January 13, 2012
The application for United Way of Escambia County’s Community Chest is available now. The deadline to apply for funding is January 27, 2012. Agencies with 501(c)(3) non-profit status are eligible to apply for this funding of undesignated money pooled from thousands of donors in our community.
Grants will be awarded by a Volunteer Funds Distribution Committee comprised of more than 100 donors and community leaders. These volunteers intensively evaluate each program requesting funding to ensure donor contributions are spent in the most effective way possible in Escambia County.
The money will be allocated to programs that can show measurable outcomes and results within United Way’s three Community Impact Priorities of Education, Financial Stability and Health. If a program does not fit in these categories, funding may still be awarded based on the measurable impact of the program.
In 2011/12, United Way of Escambia County funded 38 programs at 26 agencies and schools for a total external allocation of more than $1,200,000.
Non-profit agencies can download an application today at www.unitedwayescambia.org. For more information about United Way of Escambia County’s Community Chest, contact Andrea Farage at (850) 444-7110 or email andrea@unitedwayescambia.org.
Ernest Ward Students Explore Past With National History Day Projects
January 13, 2012
History came alive through the eyes of students at Ernest Ward Middle School Thursday evening as they displayed weeks of work on projects for National History Day.
The History Fair in the school’s gym capped off a project in which EWMS students were required to do research into a topic. The research was presented in exhibit form, much like the typical science fair, or as a drama or web presentation. Students complete projects either individually or in teams.
For a photo gallery of projects, click here.
This was the third year Ernest Ward has participated in the national program, with the top projects from Ernest Ward headed next to a district competition. Winners included:
Individual Projects:
- Bethany Reynolds — The Cotton Gin: An Invention That Revolutionized a Global Industry
- Tristan Barrett — Scared of Reds: America’s Reaction to Communism
- Evan Till — The United States Cotton Industry
- Bailee Hinote — Native American Indians
Group Projects:
- Thomas Moore, Ben Preston, Jarod Townley — Railway System
- Mallory Gibson, Autumn Albritton — How The Revolutionary Ward Affected Indians
- Jessica Stacey, Abby Hammond, Destiny Watson — Pablo Picasso
- Tylet Houston, Tristan Reaves — The Revolution of Space Technology (Space Race)
Names of winners in the performance, web and research paper categories were not immediately available.
Pictured top: Ernest Ward Middle School National History Day entitled “Pablo Picasso” by Jessica Stacey, Abby Hammond and Destiny Watson. Pictured inset: Tristan Barrett’s “Scared of Reds: America’s Reaction to Communism” is judged. Pictured below: “Native American Indians” by Bailee Hinote. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sheila Wiley
January 13, 2012
Our special angel, Sheila Wiley went home to be with her Heavenly Father on the wings of a butterfly on January 12, 2012. Sheila was born July 1, 1954.
Shelia was preceded in death by her parents Arnett Wiley and Inez Wiley Granger and her stepfather Donald Granger.
She is survived by her siblings Rev. Steven (Rev. Reba) Wiley, Sherry (Jim) Hinote, Shirley Pugh, Claude (Glenda) Wiley, Paul (Laura) Wiley, many nieces, nephews and great nieces, great nephews that she dearly loved.
Sheila touched many lives through her devotion at Farm Hill United Methodist Church. She served as a Sunday School teacher, lay witness leader, Children’s Church director, youth leader and choir director. She proudly wore many hats and served God always.
In addition to the love of her church family, she was also a well-respected retired Escambia CountydEducator. She touched the hearts and lives of many children, parents and co-workers. Her classroom motto was “Work Hard and Play Harder”. She loved her students and only wanted the best for each of them. They each had a special place in her heart and her in theirs.
Shelia was truly one of God’s special angels and will be deeply missed by all. Her sense of humor and warm smile will always be remembered. “Go Rest High On That Mountain, Your Work On Earth Is Done.”
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 15, 2012, at Farm Hill United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North-Cantonment from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2012.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 Highway 29 South, Cantonment is in charge of arrangements.
Two Escambia Men Arrested For Robbery
January 13, 2012
Two Escambia County men were arrested moments after robbing a woman at an Olive Road convenience store.
Jamal Anthony Williams, 25, and William Michael Venus, 24, were charged with the robbery of Leslie Suarez at the Mom and Pop’s store.
According to Suarez, as she was sitting in her car in the store parking lot, Williams allegedly walked up to her window and demanded money from her. Suarez, fearing Williams may have had a weapon, gave Williams what money she had. Williams then ran to a green Honda Civic, driven by Venus, got in the passenger side, and fled.
Matthew Criner, Suarez’s boyfriend, came out of the store and Suarez told him that she had just been robbed. Criner began to follow the vehicle as Suarez called the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Moments later, deputies located and stopped the vehicle near the intersection of Olive Road and Palafox Street. Both Williams and Venus were arrested and charged with the robbery. Both were booked in the Escambia County Jail – Williams with bond set at $12,500 and Venus with his bond set at $10,000.00.
No one was injured during the incident.