FWC Shuts Down Importation Of Deer Into Florida
September 7, 2013
In an effort to keep a potentially fatal disease from decimating the state’s deer population, Florida is immediately closing its borders to the importation of out-of-state deer.
The ban comes as a number of deer farmers have reportedly ramped up importation to increase their stocks because of the expected prohibition.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Friday unanimously agreed to prohibit the importation of deer and other cervids in an attempt to keep Chronic Wasting Disease from reaching the state’s deer population.
“I think the economy impacts are important, but the economy impacts would be far greater and outweighed if CWD (the disease) gets transmitted into our state,” Commissioner Ron Bergeron said during a meeting in Pensacola.
In addition to an executive order to immediately close the borders, the commission directed staff to develop additional rules intended to reduce the risk of spreading the disease, increase inspections and educate hunters about transporting carcasses.
Commissioner Adrien Bo Rivard said it’s better now to “err on the side of protecting the long-term well being of fish and wildlife,” though he’s philosophically opposed to the addition of new regulations. He said the ban could be lifted if improved preventive measures are found.
The vote comes with backing from several state lawmakers, including Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, who was among a group of legislators who initially opposed the ban but changed their tune in July, saying the scientific case for closing the border was stronger.
The disease has spread since being first detected in free-ranging populations in the mid-1980s around northeastern Colorado and southeastern Wyoming. The disease has been described as similar to Mad Cow disease, with animals becoming emaciated and often being found isolated and trembling.
Chronic Wasting Disease is not known to affect people.
Critics of the ban, including the Southeast Trophy Deer Association, contend that closing the border will actually increase the chance for the disease to turn up in Florida. They envision an increase in smuggling, increasing the risk that deer from impacted areas will be brought into Florida to make up for a drop in the amount of deer available for hunts.
Steve Munz, a deer farmer from Sumter County, argued that the state and proponents of the ban were using misleading information and proposed the commission instead increase permitting costs as a means to improve enforcement to check for the disease.
“I’m not for taxes and more money, I’m for what makes sense in life,” Munz said.
Several opponents of the ban recommended the state consider changing a requirement that imported deer come from herds that have been certified disease-free for at least five years. They suggested doubling the standard to 10 years.
Shawn Schafer, executive director of the North American Deer Farmers Association, said the state should consider an increase in monitoring of herds rather than prohibit the cross-border movement of deer.
“For Florida to say (the disease) is not here, you’re not testing enough,” Schafer said. “If you test enough animals you’re probably going to find it.”
But powerful backers of the ban said the rule is critical to preserving the future of hunting in Florida and for those who enjoy the outdoors.
Marion Hammer, representing the National Rifle Association and the Florida Veterinary Medical Association, contended that a few deer farmers and preserve operators were putting their self-interests above the long-term outlook for hunting in Florida.
“Leaving the border open even a crack exposes us to damage that is not reversible,” Hammer said during the meeting, which was broadcast across the state by The Florida Channel. “If CWD gets into Florida we will never be the same, it can never be reversed. It will affect our wildlife, our soil, and potentially our citizens.”
Other groups and organizations in support of the ban include the United Sportsmen of Florida, the Quality Deer Management Association, the Florida Bowhunters Council, the Florida Chapters of the Safari Club International and the Humane Society of the U.S.
Philip Bryan, vice president of the Florida Deer Association, said protecting native deer species is “the most important thing.”
“Since we didn’t close it in June, in the month of August more deer has come in in one month than in any other time,” Bryan said.
The commission in June delayed a vote so more information could be gathered on the potential impacts of a ban, both economically and in the effectiveness of keeping out the disease.
Commission staff noted Friday that since the start of the year 800 cervids — 600 just in August — have been permitted to be imported by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The number is up from 295 permitted in all of 2012.
The state has about 300 deer and game farms and 100 hunting preserves.
Clifford Shipley, a Chronic Wasting Disease expert from the University of Illinois’ College of Veterinary Medicine, said the actual source of the disease remains unknown and there is no known cure.
“It is a death sentence to a deer farm,” Shipley said.
If an animal is found with the disease, the entire population in the area, free-ranging or farmed, would need to be eradicated in order to prevent further spreading.
Currently, to reduce the chances of the disease entering Florida, the state also prohibits most deer from being imported from states and Canadian provinces where infected populations have been found.
The disease has been found in 22 states, with eight added to the list since 2010. None of the states where the disease has been detected are in the Southeast.
Florida now joins 18 other states that have banned the importation of deer, including all of Florida’s neighbors.
The new rule does exempt zoos, which would be allowed to bring in most cervids — except for white-tailed deer — from out-of-state facilities that have been cleared of the disease.
by The News Service of Florida
Friday Night Football Finals
September 7, 2013
Here is a look at football action around the North Escambia area Friday night:
FLORIDA
- Marianna 28, Northview 6 [Read more...]
- Tate 14, PHS 12 [Read more...]
- Jay 51, Rocky Bayou Christian 30 [Read more...]
- West Florida 44, Milton 0
- Catholic 33 Pine Forest 3
- Washington 28, Pass Christian 10
- Niceville 42, Pace 0
- FWB 21 Gulf Breeze 7
- Escambia 49 Mosley 39
- Walton 54 Freeport 6
- Choctaw 14, Crestview 13
- Baker 35, Sneads 21
ALABAMA
- Washington Co 40, Flomaton 13
- Clarke Co 40, Escambia County (Atmore) 18
- Escambia Academy 48, Hooper Academy 7
- TR Miller 22, Opp 7
- Straughn 21, WS Neal 8
Christopher Andrew Williams
September 7, 2013
Christopher Andrew Williams, 44 of Pensacola, was born June 10, 1969 and passed away Thursday, September 5, 2013.
Chris graduated from Rutherford High School in Panama City, FL and University of West Florida in Pensacola. He taught American History at first Pine Forest and then Tate High School. Through colorful stories, he shared his patriotism making our nation’s history come alive for his students and made a point of teaching the blessings of liberty. An avid sportsmen, Chris enjoyed car races, hunting, and in recent years biking. He was a member of the Escambia River Gun Club and the leader of the Black Powder Discipline.
Chris is survived by his wife, Jeanne Arnette Williams of Pensacola; his mother and step-father, Barbara Lancaster and Frank Harrison; sister, Amy W. Witheringtyon, all of Mount Olive, NC; brother, Kristopher Harrison and wife Kasey of Garner, NC; nephew, Drew Witherington; nieces, Abigayle and Lilly Harrison; mother-in-law, Marilyn Arnette, sister-in-law, Cherie Arnette, both of Pensacola; sister-in-law, Carren Quinn and husband, Tommy of Mobile; and nephews Parker and Ryan Quinn.
He was predeceased by his father, Andrew R. Williams of Panama City, FL.
Honorary pallbearers will be Drew Witherington, Kristopher Harrison, Dennis Horimoto, Mike Steele, Dave Brown and Mark Foxworthy.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Escambia River Muzzle Loaders for ongoing construction projects at the range, ERML PO Box 333 Cantonment, Florida, 32533.
Visitation will be held from 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m., Monday, September 9, 2013, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with a memorial service at 6 p.m. with Reverend Nathan Brown officiating.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
George T. Langford
September 7, 2013
George T. Langford, 87, of Century, died Thursday, September 5, 2013, in Brewton.
Mr. Langford was native of Escambia County, Florida, and had been a resident of Century for more than 67 years. He was stationed in the South Pacific while serving in the United States Army during World War II. After returning to the states, he was self-employed until his retirement. He served on the Board of Directors of the EREC, formerly the REA, and was instrumental in expanding service to Escambia County, Florida. He was one of the founding members of Central Water Works where he served as president, as well as, in many capacities on the board.
Mr. Langford was born to George Washington and Mary Elizabeth (Dawson) Langford on April 8, 1926. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Alice Mildred (McNeely) and a step-son, Nick Brewton.
He is survived by his second wife, Helen (Gilmore) of McDavid; daughter, Joan (Thomas) Adams of Century; and step-son, Colon Brewton of McDavid; three grandchildren, David (Bobbie) Adams of Flomaton; Alicia (Marty) Chavers of Prattville, AL and Marialena (Carl, Jr.) Godwin of Century; five great-grandchildren, Stephanie Adams of Flomaton, Ethan Chavers and Evan Chavers both of Tuscaloosa, Sydney Chavers of Prattville and Blake (Kim) Wiggins of Century; and one great-great-grandchild, Madyson Wiggins; three step-grandchildren, Jessica Brewton (Chris Smith) of Milton, Joey (David) Morton of Anniston, AL and Asani (Dallas) Hewitt of New Orleans, LA; seven step-great-grandchildren, Aiden, Taylor and Lucas Brewton, Baileigh and Chloe Smith, and Colt and Elaina Morton.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, September 8, 2013, at Petty Funeral Home with Brother Mitch Herring officiating.
Interment will follow at Poplar Dell Baptist Church.
Serving as pallbearers will be Mr. Langford’s nephews and grand-nephews; Ricky Wiggins, Gary Wiggins, Jack Brown, Danny Leonard, Henry Leonard and Steve Leonard.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC is in charge of arrangements.
Escambia County Middle Defeats Ernest Ward (With Photo Gallery)
September 6, 2013
The Esambia County Middle School Eagles of Atmore defeated the Eagles of Ernest Ward Middle School 44-20 Thursday evening in Walnut Hill.
The Eagles of Escambia County Middle School in Atmore jumped out to a 24-0 lead by about halfway through the second quarter.
Ernest Ward’s only touchdown of the first half came on a pass to eighth grader Jacob McCullough, followed by a good two point conversion. That made it Atmore 24, Ernest Ward 8 with 5:20 to go in the half.
By halftime, the Atmore Eagles had expanded their lead to 38-8, but Ernest Ward fought back in the second half, still coming up short, 44-20.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Ernest Ward will be on the road for their two games — September 12 at T.R. Miller and September 17 at Escambia County Middle in Atmore. The Eagles will return home on September 26 to host the Panthers of Excel, Ala.
Pictured top: An Ernest Ward defender attempts to bring down at Escambia County Middle School Eagle. Pictured inset: Ernest Ward’s Jacob McCullough catches a pass for a touchdown run. Pictured below: Ernest Ward’s Keaton Solmonson attempts to stop an Atmore player from gaining yardage. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Man Plunges 20 Feet Down Into Ravine In ATV Accident
September 6, 2013
A man was trapped under his ATV for about an hour Thursday night after plunging into a ravine in Walnut Hill.
The incident happened about 9:10 p.m. just south of the intersection of South Highway 99 and Tungoil Road. The 69-year old man was riding the ATV while legally hunting deer with a depredation permit. He was near the edge of a field about a half mile off the paved highway when he hit a grassy area and plunged about 20 feet down into the ravine.
Authorities said the ATV landed on top of the man at the bottom of the ravine, trapping him underneath. It took firefighters from the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue about an hour to rescue the man. A special operations rescue team from Pensacola was dispatched to the scene, but was canceled prior to arrival.
Once rescued from the ravine, the man refused medical treatment and refused transport to the hospital. Authorities said he appeared to be suffering only very minor injuries.
The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Atmore Ambulance and the Florida Highway Patrol also responded to the incident.
Pictured top: Firefighters rush an extra ladder to the scene of a four-wheeler accident Thursday night in Walnut Hill. Pictured bottom: An empty ambulance leaves the scene after the 69-year old victim refused medical treatment. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate High Mourns Loss Of History Teacher Chris Williams
September 6, 2013
Tate High School is in mourning the loss of teacher Chris Williams.
Williams taught American history and honors American history at Tate. He had been a teacher for 18 years, seven of those at Tate High School. He taught previously at Pine Forest High School. He had a passion for Civil War related history and events.
He held a B.A. in history education from the University of West Florida, and was sponsor of the Tate Core Values Team.
Williams is survived by his wife Jeanne and other relatives and friends. Funeral services have not yet been announced.
Time To Renew Business Tax Receipts
September 6, 2013
It is time for business owners in Escambia County to renew their business tax receipts. Tax Collector Janet Holley mailed out 21,547 renewal notices on August 1, with the renewal cycle ending on September 30. Beginning October 1, delinquent penalties will be assessed.
Business tax receipts can be renewed online, by mail, by phone (a convenience fee may apply), or in person at any one of four tax collector offices.
Applications and information for business tax receipts are available at www.escambiataxcollector.com. For more information or to make an appointment, visit the tax collector’s website or call (850) 438‑6500, ext. 3252.
Tax collector offices are open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. as follows:
- Downtown, 213 Palafox Place
- Molino, 6440 Highway 95A North, Suite A
- Marcus Pointe, 6451 North W. Street
- Warrington, 507 North Navy Boulevard.
Local Fresh Food Becoming More Popular; Farmers’ Markets This Saturday
September 6, 2013
Floridians are buying more food grown locally or regionally and retail sales are higher here than in other states, according to a University of Florida study.
It showed local food represents about 20 percent of all Florida food purchased for at-home consumption, except restaurant take-out food, said Alan Hodges, an Extension scientist with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
In addition to local farmers and roadside stands, farmers’ markets are a good source for local food. For information on two local markets this weekend, see the box to the left.
The study was based on a statewide consumer survey. Prior estimates from other states had local food accounting for about 5 percent of all food sales, he said.
“We are doing relatively better in Florida, in moving toward food self-sufficiency,” Hodges said. “I can only attribute that to the favorable year-round growing conditions we have for fruits and vegetables.”
Hodges’ study is part of a larger project that involves consumer preferences about local food, said Tracy Irani, a UF professor of agricultural education and communication and development director for the Center for Public Issues Education, or the PIE Center.
Irani and graduate assistant Joy Goodwin headed the portion of the project that examined consumer preferences. Irani said data suggest local food sales might be up because consumers are paying closer attention to the things they eat, due to nutrition and health coverage in the media.
Increased awareness results in increased sales, she said. However, consumer participants said their purchase of local food would be likely to increase with increased advertising and marketing of local foods.
“Consumers perceive that there are health, quality and economic benefits to locally grown,” Goodwin said. “That will continue to motivate purchase behavior, all other things being equal.”
Projections based on the statewide consumer survey indicate that local food sales in Florida totaled $8.3 billion in a one-year period. An estimated $6.1 billion was spent at grocery stores but only $320 million in restaurants, Hodges said.
“Restaurants have huge potential there to buy locally produced meats, vegetables and other items,” Hodges said. “My suggestion is, if you want to see more local food on the menu at your favorite dining spot, ask for it.”
Some highlights of the results:
- Two-thirds of respondents said someone in the household bought local food at least once in the previous year.
- Among all Florida households, 62 percent bought local foods at farmers’ markets, 53 percent from retail supermarkets, 28 percent from restaurants, and 5 percent from community-supported agriculture or other direct transactions.
- The average spent on local food was $1,114 per household. That number was higher in Central and North Central Florida, compared with South Florida or the Panhandle.
- Almost three-fourths of the total estimated revenue — $6.1 billion –- was spent on local food at retail grocery stores. Consumers also spent $1.8 billion at farmers’ markets, roadside stands and U-pick farms. Restaurants and other food-service establishments accounted for $320 million, and other prearranged farm-to-consumer sales totaled $103 million.
Because there is no accepted definition of what constitutes “local” food, Hodges’ survey allowed respondents to define the term – and most often defined it as food produced within 100 miles of the consumer, he said.
Pictured top: Local produce available recently at the Market at St. Monica’s in Cantonment. The market is open the first and third Saturday of each month through October. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Atmore Blue Devils Cancel Junior Varsity Games Against Northview
September 6, 2013
Escambia County High School in Atmore has canceled their two scheduled junior varsity football games with the Northview Chiefs.
The ECHS JV Blue Devils were scheduled to play the Chiefs in Bratt next Monday and in Atmore on September 23
The remainder of the Northview JV football schedule is as follows:
Sept 19 – West Florida – Away
Oct 3 – West Florida – Home
Oct 17 – Baker – Home
All games are scheduled for 6 p.m.
Pictured: Northview’s JV Chiefs take on Escambia County High School in Atmore last season. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.