New Veterinarian Starts Work At Escambia Animal Shelter
November 16, 2013
A new veterinarian started work Friday at the Escambia County Animal Shelter, which has recently come under fire for wrongfully euthanized animals.
The hiring of Dr. Alphonso W. Steward III was announced by interim Escambia County Administrator George Touart.
“I look forward to working with Dr. Steward as Escambia County moves to improve all aspects of its Animal Services Division processes,” Touart said. “Dr. Steward understands the goals that the shelter needs to meet to effectively serve the community, and I am confident in his abilities.”
Steward replaced Dr. Melissa Adkison, who resigned this week after staring the job back in September. Her resignation came after a new shelter policy was implemented requiring the veterinarian in charge to sign all euthanasia orders.
A graduate of Alabama State University, Steward earned his professional degree from the Tuskegee School of Veterinary Medicine in 1991 and brings more than 20 years in licensed veterinarian experience at universities and clinics throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Dakota and Texas. Steward is a past member of the American Medical Veterinary Association and is a practiced health officer in the United States Department of Agriculture.
Bull Riding, Barrel Racing To Benefit Tate Grad
November 16, 2013
The James C. Robinson Escambia County Equestrian Center will host the Pensacola’s Southern Extreme Bull Riding & Barrel Racing event Saturday Gates open at 6 p.m. and the performances start at 7:30 p.m.
On Saturday, a local 5-D barrel race will begin at 10:30 a.m. benefitting Katelyn Godwin, Pensacola native and recent graduate of Tate High School, who has been diagnosed with a central giant cell granuloma tumor. A full-service concession stand will be open during the events as well as pony rides for the children.
Concession proceeds benefit the Northview FFA.
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Deja Vu For Nelson, Scott
November 16, 2013
In 2009, then-Gov. Charlie Crist was coy about whether he had any intentions of running for the U.S. Senate in 2010. Crist repeatedly brushed away rumors that he would make a run at Washington, but never really ruled it out.
In the end, of course, Crist ran for the seat, appearing to upend the plans of fellow Republican and former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio. But the plan backfired amid the rise of the tea party movement, and the moderate Crist was ultimately forced to leave the party and run an independent campaign for Senate. That also failed.
Now, three years later, Crist has become a Democrat and is the one who reportedly faces the possibility of getting big-footed, in a sort of reverse version of Crist’s move before the 2010 election. There were fresh indications this week that Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, who has been coy about rumors that he would run for governor, is at least keeping the option open.
Meanwhile, money gushed into campaigns on both sides of the governor’s race and into other campaigns up and down the ballot. And in a vote accompanied by far less doubt than any of those races, business leader and establishment fixture Marshall Criser picked up a tangible sign that he is almost certain to be the next chancellor of the State University System.
CRUEL INTENTIONS?
Of course, the 2010 race is not the only one that could echo into next year’s contest if Nelson does try to take down Crist in the governor’s race. A race two decades earlier would also be eerily reminiscent of the move.
In that case, Nelson was the victim when a more-powerful Democrat made a late charge into the race against unpopular Republican Gov. Bob Martinez.
When Martinez began to recover, leading Democrats grew concerned that the folksy Nelson was failing to connect with Florida voters. They convinced Lawton Chiles, the retired U.S. senator who had repeatedly declined to run, to enter the race.
Chiles won the nomination and the governor’s mansion.
That was the story that Democrats floated as reports began dribbling out that Nelson is still very much thinking about making a bid for the office he first ran for almost a quarter of a century ago. Nelson has repeatedly said he has “no intention of running for governor,” but intentions are malleable things in politics.
And whatever Nelson says his plans are, he appears to still be weighing whether to take on Crist and former Senate Minority Leader Nan Rich of Weston. Sources speaking on background told The News Service of Florida that Nelson’s chief of staff, Pete Mitchell, has called some prominent Democrats and told them the 71-year-old Nelson is considering a bid.
The scenario that most Democrats lay out goes something like this: Crist doesn’t catch fire or commits a mistake that threatens to undermine his chances to beat Scott. Nelson enters the race as a savior of sorts, defeating Crist in the primary and then trying to vanquish Scott and his projected $100 million campaign.
“I have said since last summer that Bill Nelson is saying ‘no,’ but he hasn’t said, ‘hell, no,’” said Screven Watson, former executive director of the Florida Democratic Party. “If Charlie Crist stubs his toe, if he shows any weakness, [Nelson supporters] are going to pounce, and that pounce would be to fly to Washington to talk Bill Nelson into running.”
But Steve Schale, a veteran of the Obama campaign who is now helping oversee Crist’s effort, brushed off talk that much would come of the speculation. Instead, he said, Crist will prove to Democrats that he’s the right candidate to take on Scott.
“Campaigns are like long novels,” he said. “We’re nine days into a 365-day campaign. There will be a lot of ups and downs, a lot of plot twists and turns before it’s over.”
OTHER PEOPLE’S MONEY
Want to prove that the talk of a stumble and a Nelson entrance is less a subplot than a footnote? Raise a lot of money. And Crist’s political committee, “Charlie Crist for Florida,” quickly got to that task.
Since Crist formally entered the race this month, the committee has raised $872,000. The list of contributors includes several gold-letter names from the trial bar, with major donations coming in from the Coral Gables-based Grossman Roth law firm, which kicked in $250,000, and Sheldon Schlesinger and the Schlesinger Law Office in Fort Lauderdale, contributing a combined $50,000.
Venice retiree Rosalie Danbury, retired Coral Gables philanthropist Barbara Stiefel and Coral Gables attorney William Andrew Haggard also contributed six-figure amounts to the effort.
Scott’s “Let’s Get to Work” committee has countered in kind, raking in $3.9 million since the day Crist officially filed to run for governor. Health-care executive Mike Fernandez wrote a check for $1 million, by far the largest contribution, and business interests like the Florida Chamber of Commerce Alliance ($350,000) and Florida Power & Light ($250,000) also gave generously.
Next to those numbers, the totals announced by other state candidates — including Rich — for their October fundraising numbers seemed almost paltry.
For example, one of the top campaigns in terms of bringing in cash during October was the re-election effort of Sen. Tom Lee, R-Brandon, who raised “just” $90,850. Sen. Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, drew “only” $56,250.
One of the biggest fundraisers in the House was Rep. Matt Caldwell, R-Lehigh Acres, who collected $41,425, while Rep. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, took home $35,640.
No Cabinet member even topped $50,000.
CRISER FOR CHANCELLOR
As a former chairman of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and president of AT&T Florida, Criser knows something about political money. Now, he’s close to getting a position in state government without the cost of television ads or a turnout effort.
On Tuesday, a Florida Board of Governors committee unanimously recommended Criser to the full board as the next chancellor for the State University System. Criser would oversee 12 institutions of higher education as the system has experienced political turbulence amid the drive to expand online education and Scott’s quest to hold down tuition.
And the job is likely Criser’s to lose. The board is expected to ratify the search committee’s proposal at its regularly scheduled meeting next week.
“I’ve been extremely impressed by the caliber of all our chancellor candidates and am confident that our search committee has made a thoughtful, well-reasoned recommendation,” Dean Colson, the chairman of the board, said in a prepared statement after the committee vote. “I appreciate all the hard work of the committee, and I know the rest of the Board of Governors looks forward to seeing Marshall next week.”
Criser, the son of a former president of the University of Florida, would bring a history of business and political ties to the position. He has headed up AT&T’s presence in Florida since 2005, and has had a role in government relations in Florida for AT&T or its state predecessor, BellSouth, off and on since 1989.
Criser also currently serves on the University of Florida board of trustees and as chairman of the Florida Council of 100, an influential business group.
During an interview with the committee ahead of its vote, Criser gave limited insights into his thinking on the major issues confronting higher education in Florida. On tuition, he highlighted concerns about affordability and underscored competition from private schools and new, online institutions while alluding to the idea of potentially charging different tuition rates for different programs.
“I believe that more funding for higher education in general, from whatever sources it can come from, is necessary in Florida,” he said.
STORY OF THE WEEK: Marshall Criser was on the cusp of becoming chancellor of the State University System after a vote by a Florida Board of Governors search committee.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Keep Biloxi in Biloxi.”–Randolph Smith, a former Lutheran pastor from Pensacola who called himself a compulsive gambler, at a Senate hearing concerning whether the state should consider an expansion of gambling.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
William “Bill” Toney Mack
November 16, 2013
Mr. William “Bill” Toney Mack, 81 of Atmore, passed away November 14, 2013, in Atmore. He was born April 20, 1932, to the late Robert James and Dovie Mack. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a retired property design director with the telephone company. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was a member and deacon of Judson Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Jo Anne Morgan Mack of Atmore; three daughters, Sandra (Greg) Howard of Dothan, AL; Wendy (Jason) Riggle of Springfield, Ohio and Angela (Gary) Baker of Red Level, AL; brother; Daniel C. (Deloris) Mack of Palm Bay, FL; and sister; Anna C. Dortch of Warren Robbins, GA; five grandchildren; Nathan, Ashley, Trevor, Regan and Will.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, November 17, 2013, at 11 a.m. from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Henry Wilson and Rev. Don Smith officating.
Inurnment will follow at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of your choice.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
High Voltage Transmission Line Being Replaced
November 16, 2013
Work is underway to replace a high voltage transmission line through North Escambia. Powersouth, which generates and supplies power to Escambia River Electric Cooperative, is replacing the existing transmission line across northern Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Pictured: A new pole is installed for a high voltage transmission line alongside Highway 4A near Killam Road. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Lisa Rena Respress
November 16, 2013
Mrs. Lisa Rena Respress 48, of Atmore, passed away November 13, 2013, in Pensacola.
She was born December 3, 1964, in Atmore to Willie Claude “Bill” and Essie Rutherford. Mrs. Respress was a caregiver where she had worked at Enon Manor and attended the Fretwell Tabernacle. She is preceded in death by her father Willie Claude “Bill” Rutherford.
She is survived by her son, Michael Sean Respress; her mother, Essie Rutherford; grandson, Carlos Sean Respress; three sisters, Patricia Respress of Atmore, Sheila Amerson of Daphne, and Billie Jolene Kelsoe of Tampa; aunts, uncles, extended family and friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday, November 16, 2013, from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Sis. Helen Stewart officiating.
Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Colton Wayne Respress, Kristopher Bradley Respress, Clifford Amerson, Jr., Clint Kyser, Joseph Husband and Brad Brooks.
Honorary pallbearers were Charles Rutherford, Dale Rutherford, Autry Ziglar and Fernie Faircloth.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Charlie Steve Bray
November 16, 2013
Charlie Steve Bray, 70, of Jay, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2013, at the Jay Terrace. Steve was born in Brewton, to Charlie and Bertie Bray, but grew up on the family’s farm in Jay. Steve was the youngest of five children. His parents were farmers like many in the community, and the children had a very active role in working on the family farm. This is where Steve acquired his lifelong love of the land and outdoors. Steve began his school days in 1949, at Jay Elementary, and completed them when he graduated from Jay High School in 1961. Steve enjoyed playing high school football for the Jay Royals. He only had that privilege during his senior year because of his prior responsibilities helping his parents and siblings run the family farm. Steve was a talented and tough nose guard and was named All Escambia River Conference for the 1960-1961 season by the Pensacola News Journal for his outstanding football accomplishments. Steve joined the United States Marine Corps in 1961 before graduating high school. Steve performed his duties as a combat engineer until his honorable discharge in October 1965.
In March 8, 1963, Steve was united in marriage to Carol Cecilia Bell, and they have been married for 50 years. Steve and Cecilia have two children, Mitzi Bray Dixon and Derek Steven Bray. They have the blessing and joy of being grandparents to five beautiful grandchildren. Steve loved to spend time with his grandkids. Steve had many jobs over the years, from farmer to working the oil fields. In 1975, he went to work for Jay Peanut Farmer’s Cooperative. He started out as the assistant manager and was later promoted to manager. Steve retired in December 2010 after serving 35 years to the Alabama Farmers Cooperative and the surrounding farming community. In 1996, Steve was awarded the E.P. Garrett Award naming him CO-OP Manager of the Year 1995 in recognition of outstanding service to Jay Peanut Farmers Cooperative, Inc. and dedicated service to Alabama Farmers Cooperative. Steve was also awarded the Jay Peanut Farmers Cooperative, Inc. Annual E.R. (Rass) Youngblood Memorial Award for his many years of unselfish service to the community on November 13, 2008. Steve’s life philosophy was always “hard work and dedication”. When he was not managing the CO-OP, he was busy operating his own farm. In his few hours of off-time, he enjoyed working in his hunting club, tending to his pond, gardening around his home and spending time with his grandchildren. Steve was a member of the Jay Church of Christ. He also enjoyed worship services at the Jay Terrace during his time spent there.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Bertie Bray; sister, Peggy Clifford, and nephew, David Levins.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Cecilia Bray; daughter, Mitzi Bray Dixon and her husband, Dr. James R. Dixon II; son, Derek Steven Bray and his wife, Misty Lowry Bray; five grandchildren, James-Richard Dixon III of Tuscaloosa, Jordan Savannah Bray of Auburn, Allison Paige Dixon of Cullowhee, NC., Makenzie Caroline Bray of Jay, and James Henry Dixon of Brewton; brother, Billy (Helen) Bray of Jay; sister, Patsy Fulmore of Pace and JoAnn Bray of Jay; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend thanks to the caregivers at The Terrace for their attentive and gentle care. They would also like to express their gratitude to Emerald Coast Hospice for their tender care.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 17, 2013, at Jay Funeral Home with Terry Wasden officiating.
Burial will follow at Cora Baptist Church Cemetery with full military honors.
Active pallbearers will be his nephews and brother-in-law, Doug and Randy Fulmore, Roger and Bart Bray, Greg Levins, and Johnny Wasden.
Honorary pallbearers are his grandsons and great-nephews, James-Richard and Henry Dixon, Bradley Bray, Charlie and Calvin Feldt, and Kyle Levins.
Betty Joyce Gibson
November 16, 2013
Mrs. Betty Joyce Gibson, 71 of Poarch, passed away November 13, 2013, in Poarch. Mrs. Gibson was a loving and caring person and will be greatly missed. She was born March 26, 1942, in McCullough. She was a member of Pine Level Primitive Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her parents, Aubrey Lee Steadham and Lila Irene Steadham Gibson; brother, Aubrey Lee Steadham, Jr.; and granddaughters, Mikasa Cheyenne Groover, Feather Marie McGhee and April Ramieri.
She is survived by her husband of 46 years Ricky Gibson, six daughters Angela Presley, Rebecca (Lurby) Denais, Connie Walls, Patsy (Calvin) McGhee, Sarah (Rodger) Adams and Wanda (Timothy) Gaines; sister, Thelma (James) Digman; brother Charles Eugene (Jean) Steadham; 16 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, November 17, 2013, at 2 p.m. from the Pine Level Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Gene Freeland officiating.
Burial will follow in Antioch Cemetery in Nokomis, Ala.
Active pallbearers will be Antonio Walls, Brandon Joiner, Zachary Walls, Thunder McGhee, Ricky Ray Maddox and Rick Sosa.
Honorary pallbears will be Enrico Ramieri, Sandro Ramieri, and Gilbert Wade Blackwell.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Hollis Carlton Chavers
November 16, 2013
Mr. Hollis Carlton Chavers, age 74, of Flomaton, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2013, at Jay Hospital.
Mr. Chavers was a native and lifetime resident of the Flomaton community where he was a member of the Friendship Volunteer Fire Department. He was retired from Monsanto where he worked as an operator. He was of the Baptist faith.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Alice Shaw Chavers of Flomaton; sons, Dale (Diana) Chavers and Dean (Theresa) Chavers, all of Flomaton; sisters, Nell Franklin of Flomaton and Lois Hamm of Kelso, WA; grandchildren, Johnathan Dean Chavers, Daniel Chavers, Callie Maria Chavers, Christopher Chavers and great-grandchild, Aiden Chavers.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 17, 2013, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 18, 2013, at 2 p.m. at Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jeff Edwards officiating.
Interment will follow in Pleasant Home Holiness Cemetery in Flomaton.
Pallbearers will be members from the Friendship Volunteer Fire Department.
Flomaton Funeral Home Directing.
Deputies Seek Missing, Endangered Adult
November 15, 2013
Update: Clyde Darnell Golston was located in another state and is safe.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a missing, endangered adult.
Clyde Darnell Golston, 55, was last seen at a caretaker’s residence in the 7800 block of Herrington Drive in Pensacola about 2:00 Thursday, the Sheriff’s Office said Friday afternoon.
He was last seen wearing a beige jacket and blue pants. His whereabouts are unknown. He is black male with black hair, brown eyes, about six-feet tall and weighing 180 pounds.
The provided photo of Golston is about 12 years old.
Anyone with information regarding Golstonis urged to contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.