Library War Continues Between ‘Dysfunctional’ City And ‘Extortionist’ County
October 12, 2012
“Dysfunctional”, “horse crap” and “extortionist” — the war of words between Escambia County and the City of Pensacola over library funding escalated Thursday, with members of the Escambia County Commission firing the latest verbal salvos over not just the library but also public transit.
The county commission cut their contribution to the library by 5-percent with the new budget year that began October 1, and the West Florida Library System responded by cutting hours at at all branches but most drastically at the Century and soon to be open Molino Branch. Just over two-thirds of the library system’s budget is from the county, while the city funds less than a third under an interlocal agreement.
In a letter last week to the city, County Administrator Randy Oliver said the county will withhold a portion of their funding for the library system in order to hire the city’s library employees to fully staff libraries in the county, reducing the appropriation by the amount necessary to provided staffing to all library branches in the unincorporated areas at the same level as the branch in the city with the greatest operating hours.
After NorthEscambia.com published Oliver’s plan on Monday, City Administrator Bill Reynolds responded to Oliver Tuesday with a letter defending the reduced hours and claiming the county has actually failed to pay $1,229,663 for library services since 2008.
Reynolds said that Oliver’s plan to adjust library funding to maintain service hours at the rural branches “can only be taken as contemplation by the County to somehow further disrupt the system”. And he called the county’s threatened cutbacks “extortion”.
Thursday morning, commissioner fired back during a Committee of the Whole meeting.
“I call horse crap on that,” Escambia County Commissioner White said Thursday morning. White represents District 5, home of the Century and Molino Branch libraries. “They are the extortionists.”
Commissioner Grover Robinson suggested that the city and county sit down to discuss the library and funding. But White said that would be a “waste of time” because “they’re so dysfunctional”.
The county has been “villainized” by the city, Commissioner Wilson Robertson said, mentioning how the city quit funding mass transit and leaving the county to foot the entire bill for ECAT, including routes in the city. He suggested that county add up the mass transit money not paid by the city, about $6.5 million, subtract $1.2 million for library funding and bill the city for the difference. If not, he suggested that the county limit mass transit service inside the city.
“It we are going to be accused of extortion, let’s get this right,” Robertson said.
Commissioner Gene Valentino suggested that the county could “seize control” of the library system since the commission represents the entire county, including Pensacola residents.
Robinson asked County Attorney Alison Rogers to draft a motion to be considered by the commission on October 18 that would get the county out of their interlocal library agreement with the city.
Freshwater Shrimp To Be Harvested, Sold Saturday In Walnut Hill
October 12, 2012
Freshwater shrimp will be harvested Saturday morning at Escambia County’s only shrimp pond.
Raising freshwater shrimp in Walnut Hill was a bit of an experiment for residents Russell and Anne Kelson, and they are hoping it will be successful and expand by next year.
“They are really, really good tasting, kind of sweet” Anne Kelson said. ” Just five minutes in a pot of boiling water and they are done. There’s no iodine with that strange taste, so even people that are allergic can eat them.”
Back in May, the Kelsons stocked their pond with about 12,000 tiny Texas freshwater shrimp, and now they’ve grown to about 6-8 per pound. They will be sold for $8 per pound fresh from the harvest beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday while supplies last.
“Just bring your own cooler and load up,” she said.
The Kelson’s freshwater shrimp pond is located at the intersection of South Highway 99 and Eicher Road, about 4.5 miles south of Highway 97 in Walnut Hill.
Pictured: Russell Kelson with one of his Walnut Hill freshwater shrimp. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Prep Football Finals
October 12, 2012
Here are final football scores from around the area Friday night
Florida
Pensacola 32, Tate 14
Jay 36, Cottondale 20
Pine Forest 63, Washington 0
Escambia 29, Pace 28
Gulf Breeze 23, Milton 20
Catholic 26, Walton 0
Open: West Florida, Northview
Alabama
Southern Choctaw 26, Flomaton 21
Escambia County 36, Monroe County 18
Clarke Prep, 27, Escambia Academy 26
T.R. Miller 48, Southside 18
W.S. Neal 44, Bayside 42
Pictured above and below: The Jay Royals picked up a homecoming win against Cottondale Friday night. Photos by Michelle Gibbs for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
JV Football: West Florida Over Northview (With Gallery)
October 12, 2012
The JV West Florida Jaguars got past Northview 22-20 Thursday evening in Bratt.
The JV Chiefs will end their season next Monday evening at 6:30 against Escambia County High School of Atmore.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Commission To Review, Possibly Terminate Administrator Next Week
October 12, 2012
The Escambia County Commission could vote to terminate the contract of of County Administrator at their next meeting on October 18.
Calling it a “housekeeping” measure, District 5 Commissioner Kevin White introduced a motion during a Thursday morning meeting to reserve the right to take a termination vote October 18 after a public evaluation of Oliver’s performance. The motion passed 3-2, with commissioners Grover Robinson and Marie Young against.
Each commissioner has already submitted their own personal written evaluation of Oliver’s job performance. He was given a generally good reviews by Young and Robinson, but numerous issues and shortcomings were raised by commissioners White, Wilson Robertson and Gene Valentino.
“The policies he promotes are his, not the commissioners,” Valentino wrote in his review of Oliver. “Initiatives of commissioners were killed through his approach. He would not champion a commissioner cause unless he agreed.”
Valentino also scored Oliver poorly in his leadership abilities, community relations, administrative duties and economic development. “Feedback from the public and other county agencies found him to be arrogant and rude,” Valentino wrote. He also said Oliver had a “I know better than the commissioner” attitude.
“This is a tough job. Randy is not perfect but who can be with five bosses,” Robinson wrote in his evaluation, generally rating Oliver at or above satisfactory in all aspects.
“He does not seem to be open minded to other ideas,” White wrote, giving Oliver less than satisfactory ratings in supervision, community relations, administrative duties, economic development and intergovernmental relations.
White said that over time he has “developed less faith” in Oliver’s supervision as county administrator.
“You’ve shown great leadership and has helped the county in many ways,” Young wrote on her evaluation form. “It is my desire that your tenure will for many opportunities to help grow Escambia County and improve the quality of life for our citizens.” Young gave Oliver straight “outstanding” marks in all evaluation categories.
Robertson expressed concerns with Oliver’s performance in the areas economic development, county council relations, planning and administrative duties.
Oliver was hired as county administrator in September 2010.
Pictured top: (L-R) Pensacola Chamber President Jim Hizer, Escambia County Administrator Randy Oliver, Century Mayor Freddie McCall and Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Kevin White discuss economic development during a tour of Century in 2011. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Fall Carnivals Today At Jim Allen, Molino Park (With MPES Auction List)
October 12, 2012
Fall carnivals will be held today at Molino Park and Jim Allen elementary schools.
The Jim Allen Elementary Fall Carnival will be be held from 3-6 p.m. at the school.
The Molino Park Elementary Fall Carnival will take place from 4:30 until 7:30 p.m. at the school and will feature the following auction items:
Blue Wahoos Basket
Blue Wahoos Hat
Umbrella
Program
Mini Bat
Fan Flag
Baseball
Lanyard
Palm Tree Starter Kit
Team Photo
2013 Schedule Card
Donated by: The Blue Wahoos
Bedroom Suite
Headboard
Frame
Dresser
Mirror
Chest
Night Stand
Mattress
Box Springs
Your Choice of Size: Full, Twin or Queen
Donated By: Molino Outreach Ministries
Camo Basket
Socks
2 – Auto Mug
Hat
Heated Seat
Shirt
Vest
Knife
Other Misc. items
Donated By: Ablaze Metal Fabrication
Computer Care Package
PC Tune up
Virus Removal
General Diagnostics
Donated By: Palafox Computers
Fitness Package
1 Month Free Family Membership to Pensacourt.
1 Month Free Jenny Craig Membership
Jenny Craig Waterbottle
Jenny Craig Lunch Tote
Donated By: Individual Businesses Listed
The Man Purse
Ryobi Starter Kit
18 Volt
P206 Drill with 2 screwdrivers bits,
P501 Circular Saw with blade and wrench
18 volt Batteries, Charger, Tool Bag, and operators manual
Donated by: Home Depot
Petland Birthday Party
1 Free Birthday Party
Includes:
Party Supplies (Plates, Cups, Etc)
Decorations
Free Petland Gift Registry
1 Hour of Petland Pets Fun
2 Hours in Private Party Room
Free Printable Online Invitations
Donated by: Petland
Teacher’s Basket
Monogrammed Super Teacher T Shirt
Monogrammed Super Teacher Tote Bag
Donated by: Brandie’s Cottage
Child’s Basket
Monogrammed Peace, Love, MPE shirt
Monogrammed Peace, Love, MPE Cinch Sack
Donated by: Brandie’s Cottage
Hunters’ Pride
1 European Mount
Donated by: Vanderpol’s Taxidermy
Moms Day Out #1
Shampoo/Cut/Blow Dry at Curl Up and Dye
Mani/Pedi at Curl Up and Dye
Parafin Wax Dip at Curl Up and Dye
$35 Blooms A Million Gift Certificate
Donated By: Individual Businesses Listed
School Spirit Hair Bow Set
4.5” Stacked Boutique Bow with custom “MPES” clay center.
Piggie Bow Set
Woven Headband
8” Pony Streamer
Monkey Bow Hanger
Donated By: Love Me Knots ~ By Crystal Jackson
Diners Delight #1
$20 Smokey’s Gift Certificate
$20 Fran’s Gift Certificate
$15 Shanghai Gift Certificate
$25 Olive Garden Gift Certificate
$25 Carrabas Gift Certificate
4 Free Hash Browns at Waffle House
4 Free Waffles at Waffle House
2 Free Chicken Sandwiches at Chick Fil A
Donated By: Individual Businesses Listed
Birthday Party
Free Semi Private Party for 10 children or $175 off any other party package
Donated by: Triple Play
Diners Delight 2
$20 Smokey’s Gift Certificate
$25 Fuji Gift Certificate
$20 Fran’s Gift Certificate
$25 Carrabas Gift Certificate
3 Free Meals at Village Inn
4 Free Hash Browns at Waffle House
4 Free Waffles at Waffle House
2 Free Chicken Sandwiches at Chick Fil A
Donated By: Individual Businesses Listed
Pet Grooming
1 Free Year of Dog Grooming; 1x per month
Donated By: Mutt Hutt Kennels
TN Mountain Cabin Package
5 Day, 4 Night stay in the” Dixie Delight” cabin in the Smokey Mountains. Monday check in, Friday check out. Jan – April. Call for available dates. *Winner must pay $65 cleaning fee.
Donated by: Neal & Robyn Shenberger
Family Fun Pack
$5 Free Yogurt as So Yo, plus T Shirt.
4 Free games of Bowling at Oops Alley
4 Free Kids Night Outs at Flip Factory
4 Free junior Frosty at Wendy’s
Family night out at Dreamland Skate Center which includes 4 regular admissions, 4 regular skate rentals, 12 inch pizza and 4 cokes
Passes for Fast Eddies
Donated By: Individual Businesses Listed
Mary Kay Gift Set
Large Black Tote Bag
Denim Handbag
2 Lip Pencils w/Sharpener
4 Eye Pencils w/Sharpener
Black Drawstring Bag
1 Lip Shine
2 Eyesicles
1 Liquid Eyeliner
Large Travel Bag
Satin Hands Set
Body Lotion
Refreshing Body Gel
2 Nail Polishes
Mineral Eye Color Quad
Premium Tweeze & Sooth Kit
Donated By: Kimberly Bellard, Mary Kay Consultant
All About Dad
Free Men’s Cut at Coles Barber Shop
$100 Academy Gift Card
Stihl T Shirt from A-1 Accessories
Camo SCAG T Shirt from A-1 Accessories
SCAG Hat from A-1 Accessories
Glock Hat from Mike’s Gun Shop
Hat from Tractor Supply
Donated By: Individual Businesses Listed
Moms Day Out #2
Hair Cut from Cutting Point
Redken Beauty Kit from Cutting Point
2 Weeks Free Tanning at Bronze Connection
Avon Gift Set from Debbie Lavalle, Avon Rep
$50 Beauticontrol Gift Certificate plus Head Massager & samples from Candy McGahan, Beauticontrol Rep
Donated By: Individual Businesses Listed
Pensacola Interstate Fair Fun Pack
2 VIP Season Passes
10 One Time free pass entries
Donated by: Pensacola Interstate Fair
Photo Package #1
1 Free Mini Session
Includes 30-45 images on fully edited CD w/copyright release. Location of your choice within the Pensacola/Molino Area
Donated by: 1231 Photography
Photo Package #2
50% off of One Regular Session
Includes 60-75 images on fully edited CD w/copyright release. Location of your choice within the Pensacola/Molino Area
Donated by: 1231 Photography
Framed Photography Piece
Framed Nature Photography Piece
Donated By: Candy McGahan
Bowfishing Trip
6 Hour Saltwater BowFishing trip
Handtowel
Koozie
3 Decals
Donated By: Zollie Linton, Bowfishing Association of Florida
Scentsy Basket
Scentsy Plug In Warmer
Lemons & Berries Bar
Lemons & Berries Room Spray
Lucky In Love Car Scent
Donated By: Kitty Jones, Scentsy
NorthEscambia.com Advertising Package
1 Month of Advertising (worth $450) on NorthEscambia.com. Restrictions may apply. Ads subject to approval. (No political ads.)
Donated By: NorthEscambia.com
Other Donations were made by:
Scrap, Inc.
Brown Family
Creative Metal
Holland Farms
Beach Berry Yogurt
Jimmy’s Grill
Gateway Lighting
A-1 Accessories
Jones Family
Mike’s Gun Shop
Roads Inc.
Outpost Rentals
Gulf Atlantic Constructors
Kings Beauty
Barnes & Noble
American Lube Fast
Tom Thumb Food Stores
Winn Dixie
Hibbett Sports
Cox Communications
Sams Club
Wendys Restaurants
Sam’s Fun City
Undefeated: Ernest Ward Beats Summerdale (With Photo Gallery)
October 12, 2012
The Ernest Ward Middle School Eagles continued their perfect season with a 30-0 win over Summerdale (Ala.) Thursday night in Walnut Hill. The Eagles (6-0) will wrap up their season next Thursday night at 6:00 at Elberta, Ala.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: The Ernest Ward Middle School Eagles defeated Summerdale Thursday night at home. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Volleyball: Gators Defeat Chiefs (With Gallery)
October 12, 2012
Baker’s Lady Gators defeated the Northview Chiefs in varsity and junior varsity volleyball action Thursday in Bratt.
In junior varsity action, E’Layzha Bates had five aces and McKenzie Nasser had four aces and one kill for the JV Lady Chiefs as Baker downed Northview 25-11, 22-25, 15-17.
In varsity play, it was Baker over Northview in four, 8-25, 26-24, 20-25, 14-17. Lily Townson had one kill and 17 assists for the Lady Chiefs. Misty Doran had one ace, seven kills and four blocks, and Morgan Payne added 15 kills, one block an an assist for Northview.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The Lady Chiefs will be at Tate next Tuesday with junior varsity playing their final game of the season at 4:30 p.m. and the varsity playing at 5:30 p.m. Northview’s varsity will wrap up the regular season on Thursday, October 18 with Senior Night beginning at 5:30 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
New Poll: Florida Presidential Race Close; Nelson Way Ahead
October 12, 2012
The presidential race in Florida is too close to call, but Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson holds a commanding lead in his re-election race against Republican Connie Mack, according to a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal/Marist poll.
Among likely voters, President Obama leads Republican Mitt Romney by a margin of 48 to 47 percent, which is within the margin of error.
The poll was conducted Sunday to Tuesday, after a nationally televised debate that Romney is widely believed to have won. A poll released before the debate showed Obama ahead 47 percent to 46 percent.
With the November 6 election less than four weeks away, the new poll shows a more clearly-defined Senate race in Florida. Nelson leads Mack, a southwest Florida congressman, by a margin of 52 percent to 39 percent, the poll said.
By The News Service of Florida
Driver Charged With DUI After Hitting Deputy’s Patrol Car
October 11, 2012
An alleged drunk driver ran into an Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy overnight.
The Florida Highway Patrol said deputy Jack Holland was in an unmarked patrol car with his emergency lights flashing as he assisted another deputy with a traffic stop on Highway 29 near Hanna Street about 2:54 a.m.
Tanya Mcateer, age 39 of Pensacola, failed to stop or move over for the deputies. Holland attempted unsuccessfully to move his patrol car out of the roadway, but Mcateer’s 2006 Infinity hit the deputy’s car, troopers said.
Mcateer was charged with DUI with property damage and careless driving.
Neither driver was injured.