Loyd Gerome Phillips
July 27, 2013
Loyd Gerome Phillips, 62 of the Berrydale community passed away on Friday, July 26, 2013, in Pensacola. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alva and Bertie Phillips; his sisters, Katherine (Calvin) Davis, Louise Freels, Thelma (Howard) Phillips, infant sister; and his brother, Neal Phillips; his second wife, Barbara Phillips, as well as extended family.
Those that survived him are his children, Cherie, Wade and Leslie; three brothers, Cecil (Margaret) Phillips, Eugene Phillips , Joe Phillips; sister, Rochelle (Wayne) Brown; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Loyd was a life-long resident of Santa Rosa County and graduated from Jay High School. He worked as a auto mechanic for Gomillion Auto Parts in Jay, and then for the Florida Department of Transportation for many years taking early retirement to work in the logging business these past few years. Loyd enjoyed being in the woods hunting deer and turkeys.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, July 29, 2013, at Jay Funeral Home with Bro. Bill Thompson and Rev. Laura Weant officiating.
Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.
Pallbearers are Eugene Phillips, Rocky Phillips, Rodney Elliott, Donny George, John Branson, Jr. and David West.
Honorary pallbearers are Butch Wells, Gary Cabiness, Frank Rowell, Ben West, Carmen Ivie, Eddie Thompson and Jeff Thompson.
Special thanks go out to Loyd’s friends, co-workers, fellow hunters and to all the people who have prayed for him.
Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Bessie Johnson
July 27, 2013
Mrs. Bessie Johnson, age 67 of Flomaton, passed away Friday, July 26, 2013, in a Pensacola health care facility.
Mrs. Johnson was born in Belleville, Ala., and had been a resident of Flomaton for the past 33 years, coming from Evergreen. She was a homemaker and was a member of Friendship Free Will Baptist Church. Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by her parents, Chester & Lillie Falkenberry; brothers, Glenn Falkenberry, Clinton Falkenberry, Leslie Falkenberry; and a sister, Mavis Brown.
She is survived by her husband, Mr. David W. Johnson of Flomaton; one daughter, Donna Hunter of Brewton; a step-son, Brian Johnson of Brewton; a step-daughter, Peggy Coleman of Brewton; four sisters, Hazel (Donnie) Waters of Owassa, Ala., Theresa (Robert) Ryland of Bermuda, Mary Etta (Edward) Hawsey of Evergreen; and Dorothy Salter of Pine Hill; two grandchildren, Josh (Jessica) Sutton, Crystal Hunter; two step-grandchildren, Tanner Coleman and Travis (Shaunna) Coleman; one step great-grandchild, McKenna Coleman; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at 1 p.m. from the chapel of Craver’s Funeral Home with Rev. Rusty Burnham officiating.
Interment will follow in the Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery in Tunnel Springs, AL.
Visitation will be held at Craver’s Funeral Home on Monday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Chance Of More Showers
July 27, 2013
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming north in the afternoon.
- Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.
- Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
- Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming west in the evening.
- Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 90. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
- Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
- Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
- Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
- Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
- Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
James J. Seelig
July 27, 2013
Mr. James J. Seelig, 29, passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2013, in Johnstown, PA.
Mr. Seelig was a former resident of Leesville, LA. but had resided in Gulf Breeze for the past five years.
He is survived by his father, James Brown, of Louisiana; mother, Lisa Dywer, of Leesville, LA; wife, Felishia Seelig of Gulf Breeze; two sons, Kaleb James Seelig and Kaden Jude Seelig, both of Gulf Breeze; one daughter, Jadea Brooke Seelig, of Gulf Breeze; three brothers, Justin Brown and Jeffery Brown, both of Leesville, LA and James Brown, of Pheonix City, AL; three sisters, Patricia Hansford- Polk and Cassandra Dywer, both of Leesville, LA. and Sophelia Johnson, of Pheonix City, AL. .
Funeral services will be Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at 10 a.m. at the Petty- Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. J.T. Guyton officiating.
Burial will follow at the Oak Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, July 29, 2013, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Petty- Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Cody Burroughs, Travis Johnson, Phillip Vaughn, Saul Benouit, Justin Brown.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC in charge of all arrangements.
Q&A: Common Questions About Florida School Grades
July 26, 2013
Here are some questions and answers about school grades from the Florida Department of Education as schools transition to Common Core State Standards.
For local school grades released Friday, click here.
Q – Why maintain higher standards during the transition to Common Core State Standards?
A – Softening standards in pursuit of higher letter grades would be a disservice to students in schools that need the most assistance in preparing for the higher goals in Common Core State Standards. Keeping the bar raised is the best way to ensure a smooth transition to Common Core.
Q – Why keep the continuation of the provision that no individual school’s grade will drop more than one letter grade in one year (i.e. the transition safety net)?
A – Districts and schools have successfully incorporated a number of changes in recent years and are diligently preparing for the implementation of Common Core State Standards. This provision provides a transitional tool that will maintain high standards while keeping the focus on the 2014-15 school year when CCSS will take effect.
Q – What other changes in school grades are taking effect this year?
A – These changes were approved by the Board in 2012 but were scheduled for implementation in 2013:
– The FCAT 2.0 Writing standard used in the school grade calculation was changed to 3.5, up from 3.0 last year. A temporary one-year reduction to a 3.0 in the school grade calculation allowed students more time to adjust to higher writing standards.
– Schools must show that the lowest performing students are making progress in both reading and math.
– Schools that have fewer than 25 percent of their students scoring at grade level or higher in reading will see a one letter grade reduction in their school grade.
– New achievement levels were set for FCAT 2.0 Science and End-of-Course exams in Biology 1 and Geometry. These will be used to calculate school grades for middle and high schools.
– Middle schools that have students who take Biology 1 or Geometry exams or earn industry certification will have those results included in their school grade.
– Students who attend alternative schools that choose to get a school improvement rating will have their test performance and learning gains included in the grade of their home school.
– Assessment scores of some students attending Exceptional Student Education (ESE) center schools will not be applied to the student’s “home” school for the purpose of school grade calculations. This provision applies to students who have never previously enrolled in a non-ESE center school within the district and who score at the emergent level on the Florida Alternative Assessment.
– The high school five-year graduation rate will not include special diploma recipients as graduates.
Q – Does the drop in scores mean the overall education quality of Florida schools has decreased?
A – Florida remains a national leader in dozens of educational studies including graduation rates, teacher quality, top public high schools and many other areas. These scores reflect higher standards for schools that were arrived at with the support and input from district school superintendents.
Q – How is it possible education quality has improved, but school grades are down?
A – Higher standards and expectations yield higher results and outcomes with an overall result of students better prepared for success in careers and college. By focusing now on schools most in need of assistance, students and teachers will be in a better position to succeed when more rigorous Common Core State Standards are implemented in 2014-15.
Q – Will the drop in scores impact schools and school districts in any manner?
A – Schools that have consistently scored D’s or F’s will receive assistance from the state to help them serve students.
Q – Do the decreases mean that schools that decreased will get less state funding?
A – Beyond school recognition funds, funding is not affected by school grades. However, the 100 elementary schools that are the lowest performing in reading results will receive assistance to implement additional help for students.
Q – What is the history of school grades in Florida?
A – Since 1999, Florida has issued letter grades to more clearly communicate the quality of schools to parents and the public. As performance improved, changes were made to the way grades were calculated to ensure students continued making academic progress.
The State Board of Education approved a number of changes in 2012 that were not scheduled for implementation until 2013. Responding to concerns from school superintendents and others, last month the Board asked Florida Commissioner of Education Tony Bennett to convene a task force consisting of superintendents and other education leaders to review the school grading system with the goal of maintaining high standards during the transition to Common Core State Standards in 2014-15.
Q – Do lower school grades mean student performance has dropped?
A – Not necessarily. Recently released FCAT scores showed performance in reading and math were generally flat while, there were increases in student writing scores and in End-of-Course exam scores. With the implementation of Common Core State Standards in 2014-15, students will be receiving deeper teaching that promotes critical thinking and better prepares them for college and careers.
Q – Do lower school grades mean teacher performance has dropped?
A –Teachers have led recent increases in Florida’s student scores and in national rankings. Gov. Rick Scott’s success in funding pay raises for teachers this year reflects the quality of teaching now and will help retain and attract the best teachers in the future. Tens of thousands of teachers have received training in Common Core State Standards and will have increased flexibility in designing their curriculum in meeting those standards.
Q – Will lower school grades in the short term affect the state’s success in attracting high-paying jobs and businesses to Florida?
A – The impact of higher expectations for students and schools will be positive for Florida’s future. Businesses seeking to relocate often cite education as their top priority. It is critical to maintain high standards and help schools now that need assistance with the arrival of more rigorous Common Core State Standards. The state’s education leaders – from teachers to superintendents to lawmakers – are sending a clear signal that they are committed to preparing a world-class workforce and a clear signal that Florida is the best state in the nation to learn and to work and to live.
ECUA Seeks Water, Sewer And Sanitation Rate Increases
July 26, 2013
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority is looking for a rate hike for the next fiscal year.
ECUA wants a 1.93 percent increase for both water and sewer service. That would amount to about $1.08 per month for the average residential customer, or about 50 cents per month for a customer with water but no sewer service. For a large commercial customer, the increase would be about $8.16 per month.
The increased water and sewer revenues would go toward infrastructure improvements.
ECUA is also looking for a sanitation fee increase of 14 cents per month for residential customers. The increase is a direct reflection of a 3.5 percent increase in the tipping fee at the Perdido Landfill that will take effect on October 1.
A public hearing to discuss the increases will be held August 29.
Photos: Fire Destroys Pickup
July 26, 2013
Fire destroyed an Isuzu pickup truck Thursday evening in Walnut Hill. The truck caught fire alongside Gobbler Road east of Highway 97 about 7:20 p.m.
There were no injuries, and the cause the fire was not known. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the blaze.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Beulahfest Moving To New Home
July 26, 2013
The 28th Annual Beulahfest will have a new home next year.
The event has been held for the past few years at the Escambia County Equestrian Center, but the next festival will be held at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds.
“Our patrons have spoken and we are answering,” Beulahfest Chairman Yancy McNair said. “People seemed to like the open spaces our event provided for so many years in the field across from the fire department. We can’t go back to that field so we found the next best place. The fairgrounds can provide us with wide open spaces and plenty of secure parking. Except for a handful of vendors, the entire event will be outdoors. Also, with recent changes to the Equestrian Center the time is now.”
McNair said the move to the fairgrounds will bring some exciting changes.
“I am very excited about the move to the fairgrounds. We have a lot of exciting changes coming in 2014,” he said.
The 28th Annual BeulahFest will be held on March 21 and 22, 2014.
Pictured top: Country star Randy Houser performs at the 2012 Beulahfest. Pictured inset: The Cat from Cat Country 98.7 poses with members of the Beulah VFD. Pictured below: The midway at Beulahfest 2012. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge
Alabama Executes Halloween 2005 Killer
July 26, 2013
Alabama carried out its first execution in two years Thursday evening at Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore. Officials say 29-year-old Andrew Lackey was pronounced dead at 6:25 p.m. after receiving a lethal injection.
Lackey was convicted of the beating and shooting of an elderly World War II veteran on Halloween night in 2005. He had dropped all appeals and asked for his execution to be scheduled.
“I do understand that executions are on hold in Alabama pending a ruling by the Supreme Court of the method used,” Lackey said in a handwritten letter dated January 9, 2013. “I want to know that when and if executions resume, I will not be unnecessarily delayed.”
Lackey was after money when he shot, beat and stabbed 80-year-old Charles Newman at his home in Limestone County, officials said. Lackey had been friends with the victim’s grandson.
Winn Dixie Looks To Hire 60 People; Holding Job Fair Today
July 26, 2013
Winn Dixie is looking to hire about 60 people in the Pensacola metro area.
The grocery chain will host a job fair today from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Winn Dixie store located at 7135 North 9th Avenue to accept applications and conduct on-site interviews.
Winn-Dixie is recruiting for all store positions from entry level to management including cashiers, baggers, deli, bakery, grocery, dairy, meat and seafood departments, and manager-level positions. With competitive salaries and great benefits, the grocer hopes to fill various openings available immediately at locations in the Pensacola metro area. Applicants are “strongly encouraged” to apply at www.winndixie.com prior to the job fair.