Pinestraw’s Trial Delayed For Toddler Shooting
June 4, 2013
Trial for a Cantonment man previously featured on America’s Most has been delayed for a couple of weeks.
Jury selection was to begin Monday in the trial of 21-year old Dwayne “Money” Pinestraw for the shooting death of 19-month old Ty’Quarius Moultrie on July 15, 2011. Last week, his co-defendant Shaquill Besst, 20, pleaded no contest to a lesser charge of second degree murder and now faces a maximum 20 years in prison for his plea.
Besst is now expected to testify against Pinestraw. Pinestaw’s attorney asked for the delay so she has time to question Besst and prepare for trial.
Putnam Expects Little Backlash From End Of Ethanol Law
June 4, 2013
Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam doesn’t expect a harsh backlash from the renewable-energy industry after Gov. Rick Scott approved a bill that abolishes a state law requiring most gasoline to include nearly 10 percent ethanol.
Scott signed the bill (HB 4001) late Friday to repeal the 2008 Renewable Fuel Standard Act, and groups backing the U.S. ethanol industry quickly blasted the state action.
The signing also caused the head of a biofuel company in Fort Myers to question his comfort level with building a commercial facility in Florida.
But Putnam said that because of federal ethanol mandates the state action is mostly symbolic and there will be no change at most pumps in Florida.
“When Florida passed a state mandate, it didn’t change the makeup of the fuel blends inside the state because there was already a federal mandate,” Putnam said. “Repealing it will not change the makeup of fuel blends in the state either.”
Also, he doesn’t expect a long-term negative reaction, noting that his opposition to repeal changed as he saw the energy industry alter its focus in the past year.
“A year ago, my concern was we would be sending a message to potential investors in the state that Florida was no longer concerned about working on biofuel-related projects,” Putnam told reporters on Monday at the Capitol. “Since then, there have been several high-profile private sector decisions to walk away from biofuel investments in the state of Florida, not because of anything related to Florida, because the sector itself, the private capital has gravitated to fracking and natural gas development.”
Last October, BP backed off plans to build a $300 million cellulosic ethanol plant in Highlands County, instead deciding to focus its biofuel efforts on research, development and licensing.
Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, has said the repeal effort was able to advance this year after Putnam dropped his opposition.
The 2008 law was pushed as a means to create new technology jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce dependence on foreign oil.
In signing the 2013 legislation, Scott wrote that he was trying to reduce regulatory burdens while calling the state law “duplicative” of the Federal Renewable Fuel Standard.
Biofuel industry representatives said Florida should be concerned about the message that comes with the repeal.
Brent Erickson, executive vice president of Biotechnology Industry Organization’s industrial and environmental section, said the repeal sends a “chilling message” that biofuel and biotech is “unwelcome” in Florida.
“Florida has been on the cutting edge in research and development of cellulosic and algae biofuels, as well as new crops for advanced biofuels, such as energy cane,” Erickson said in a release. “Undermining the state’s market for biofuels will discourage further development within the state, potentially driving out innovation, investment and jobs.”
BIO is a global advocate for biotechnology companies and academic institutions.
The Renewable Fuels Association, a trade association for the U.S. ethanol industry, along with Growth Energy, which represents producers and supporters of ethanol, called the 2013 legislation a “lost opportunity for Florida.”
“This toothless legislation might win favor with big oil supporters, but it has closed the door on job creation by the biofuels industry and sent investors packing for more visionary states,” Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen and Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis stated in a joint release.
After the bill was signed, Paul Woods, CEO of Fort Myers-based Algenol Inc., told the Fort Myers News-Press that the repeal could push his company to build its first commercial facility, an estimated $400 million investment, in another state.
“I’ll be looking elsewhere for a site to employ several thousand people,” Woods, who lobbied against the bill, told the News-Press.
Putnam said the state remains committed to a diverse array of energy options, but time is needed for the field of options to grow.
“Given that we are a state with a year-round growing season, the technology and biofuels, eventually, will give Florida a competitive advantage in that space,” Putnam said.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Molino Park Presents End Of The Year Awards Pre-K – First Grade
June 4, 2013
Here are end of the year awards presented to Molino Park Elementary School students in Pre-K to first grade:
PRE – K
Good Citizenship
- Destiny Abrams
- Aadan Adams
- Dallas Batz
- Ora Bryan
- Ayden Crabtree
- Garrett Crabtree
- Shay Crosby
- Lily Driver
- Deserae Fryman
- Chase Garrett
- John Hatch
- Bailey Herrington
- Conner Hetherington
- Riana Hillard
- Chet Knable
- Gus Leatherberry
- Darla Massey
- Caelen McKillion
- Mary Oliver
- Dominic Picheo
- Brodie Pitts
- Kamerson Shaw
- Destiny Spencer
- Layton Woodward
Accelerated Reader – Most Books Read
- Aadan Adams – Mrs. Blackburn
- Ayden Crabtree – Mrs. Crites
- Dominic Picheo – Mrs. Hamric
KINDERGARTEN
Good Citizenship
- Trae Ardeneaux
- Austin Batz
- Camden Beaty
- Dylan Boyington
- Nehemiah Delarosa
- Mailyn Duke
- Alley Enfinger
- Kambrie Faircloth
- Jericha Finlay
- Nolan Goetter
- Izzy Hetherington
- Kaylie Johnson
- Grayden Johnson-Sheffield
- Aubree Jordan
- Caleb Larson
- Savannah McCullough
- Cherry Murphy
- Emma Nigam
- Brayden Pigg
- Lauren Pardue
- Caleb Rea
- Naoki Rogers
- Rylee Rogers
- Ricky Shaw
- Logan Shoffner
- Brooklyn Summerlin
- Nathan Thompson
- Keeley Wiggins
- Brooke Wilson
- Eli Woodruff
- Abbigail Woods
- Elijah Varela
All ‘S’ Honor Roll
- Austin Batz
- Camden Beaty
- Alley Enfinger
- Kambrie Faircloth
- Jericha Finlay
- Nolan Goetter
- Aubree Jordan
- Caleb Rea
- Naoki Rogers
- Rylee Rogers
- Logan Shoffner
- Brooklyn Summerlin
- Keeley Wiggins
Outstanding Behavior – Miss Cristofoletti
- Aiden Harris
- Hunter Manning
Most Improved All Around – Mrs. Greene
- Jacob Wood
Writing Excellence – Mrs. Greene
- Kristopher Kelley
Best All Around Student – Mrs. Ledger
- Morgan Salmon
Most Improved Student – Mrs. Ledger
- Grayden Johnson-Sheffield
FIRST GRADE
Good Citizenship
- Darius Abrams
- Jade Allen
- Jarret Bodiford
- Robbie Bodiford
- Kelsey Boykin
- Nathan Caston
- Riley Crites
- Evan Crosby
- Moses Delarosa
- Matthew Dix
- Kylie Grantham
- Lilly Hatch
- Amber Irby
- Bobbie-Sue Jarrell
- Sylvia Jarrell
- Robert Lee
- Austin Manning
- Leila Mason
- Chance McElhannon
- Anna McKee
- Addison Pawless
- Evin Pedicord
- Chloe Ragsdale
- Brodie Rhodes
- Dylan Settle
- Dequan Shabazz
- Brenson Silcox
- Chance Smith
- Colten Taylor
- Brier Thompson
- Trey Thompson
- Ralin Trump
- Domanique Turner
- Dylan Wood
- Carley Woodfin
- Brooklyn Zylstra
Perfect Attendance
- Jarrett Bodiford
- Robbie Bodiford
- Matthew Dix
- Lilly Hatch
- Chance McElhannon
- Lillie Weber
‘A’ Honor Roll
- Kelsey Boykin
- Kylie Grantham
- Lilly Hatch
- Austin Manning
- Leila Mason
- Chance McElhannon
- Evin Pedicord
- Chloe Ragsdale
- Lavon Taylor
- Lillie Weber
- A/B Honor Roll
- Darius Abrams
- Kendall Alvare
- Kyler Boutwell
- Nathan Caston
- Niko Champagne
- Riley Crites
- Matthew Dix
- Emma Grimm
- Amber Irby
- Bobbie-Sue Jarrell
- Sylvia Jarrell
- Trinity Scroggins
- Dylan Settle
- Colten Taylor
- Brier Thompson
- Brooklyn Zylstra
Most Improved – Mrs. Calhoun
- Robbie Bodiford
Most Effort – Mrs. Calhoun
- Darius Abrams
Most Improved – Mrs. Lowery
- Sylvia Jarrell
Most Effort – Mrs. Lowery
- Addison Pawless
Most Improved – Mrs. Venable
- Makayla Golson
Best Effort – Mrs. Venable
- Harley Edmonson
Most Sunshine Math Points in 1st Grade
- Anna McKee
Biscuits Edge Wahoos 9-7
June 4, 2013
The Montgomery Biscuits scored three runs in the eighth to put the Blue Wahoos away in an eventual 9-7 win over Pensacola to even the five-game series at a game apiece at Montgomery’s Riverwalk Stadium.
Pensacola used five Biscuits errors to score in four separate innings. The Blue Wahoos claimed an early lead with a pair of first-inning runs, but the Biscuits countered with two of their own. After Pensacola claimed another brief lead with run in the top of the third, the Biscuits responded with four in the bottom of the fame to take the lead for good.
The Blue Wahoos scratched across another run in the fourth, but the game remained 6-4, until the Biscuits opened up a 9-4 lead in the bottom of the eighth. Wahoos starter Ryan Dennick (2-6) was charged with the loss after allowing all nine Montgomery runs, eight were earned, in the longest start by a Pensacola pitcher this season. He recorded one out in the eighth, but left with the bases loaded, and all three came home against reliever Josh Ravin. The eight runs allowed by Dennick were a season high.
The Blue Wahoos added some suspense with three runs in the top of the ninth after a pair of Biscuits errors extended the inning. Pensacola got the tying run to the plate but couldn’t get the game evened up. David Vidal led the Wahoos offensively with a 2-for-3 game. He added a walk, an RBI and run scored. Devin Lohman also had a two-hit game with a run scored.
Cameron Seitzer did a majority of the damage for the Biscuits with a 3-for-4 night with two runs scored and three RBI. His two-run double in the third inning was the hit that put the Biscuits ahead, and his single in the eighth started the Montgomery rally that led to their three late insurance runs.
Biscuits starter Jake Thompson got the win after allowing four runs, two earned, in 5.1 innings. He walked five and struck out five. C.J. Riefenhauser earned a two inning save despite allowing three runs in the ninth. All three runs he allowed were unearned. Of the Wahoos seven runs scored against Biscuits pitching, only two were earned. The seven runs were the most they have scored in a loss this season.
The series continues on Tuesday night at Riverwalk Stadium. Pensacola will turn to RHP Daniel Renken (1-4, 3.77) against Biscuits RHP Merrill Kelly (4-5, 3.73). First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m.
Wayne Lee Patrick
June 4, 2013
Wayne Lee Patrick, age 72, of Cantonment, passed away Monday, June 3, 2013, at a local hospice. Mr. Patrick was born August 14, 1940, in Inkster, Michigan.
He was married to Margaret Patrick for 44 years. He served in the U. S. Navy for 21 years and retired as Chief Petty Officer. He had a master’s degree in instructional system designs from Florida State University and retired from State of Florida Department of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco and was a member of the U.S. Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association.
He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret “Peggy” Patrick; sons, Michael Patrick and Matthew and wife Stacey Patrick; brother, Gary and wife Joann Patrick; grandsons, Tyler Nims and Levi Patrick and granddaughter, Kinsey Patrick.
Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, 2013, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 6, 2013, at 1 p.m. at the funeral home.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Hubert Henry “Bugs” Lowry, Jr.
June 4, 2013
Hubert Henry “Bugs” Lowry, Jr. of Jay, lost his one and a half year battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome on June 2, 2013, and entered into the arms of his loving Savior. He was born October 8, 1934. He was a member of Cora Baptist Church, a devoted husband, loving father and outstanding PaPaw. Bugs was a farmer all his life and it was the joy of his heart but also worked at Monsanto until his stroke at the age of 42. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and farming with his son, Henry. Bugs can be remembered by his infectious laugh with a toothpick hanging out his mouth, tissues and gum in his pocket and a smile on his face. Bugs had many health struggles, but continued to be a man full of life and laughter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert H. Lowry, Sr. and Cassie Mae Morris Lowry; beloved brothers, Clifton Lowry Sr, Jesse B. “Boss” Lowry and John D. Lowry.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Betty G. Lowry; son, Henry Lowry (Janet), daughters Dora Williams (Eric) and LeTonya Dietiker (Christian); grandchildren, Krystal and Jennifer Lowry; Briana Williams; Kamuela, Leigh Ana and Sterling Kealii Dietiker; brothers, Nathan (Glenda) Lowry, Sammy (Jeanette) Lowery, Curt (Lavelle) Lowry, Travis (Charlotte) Lowry, Frank (Melinda) Lowry; sisters, Martha (Bobby) Boutwell, Sandra Holt, Elaine (Tim) Fendley, Mary (Sammy) Beasley, Debbie (David) Walther and sister-in-law’s, Jeanette Salter Lowry, Doris Lowry and Juanita Lowry; and an abundance of special nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 6, 2013, at 10 a.m. at Cora Baptist Church in Jay with Bro. Ladon Hall and Bro. Bobby Carnley officiating.
Burial will follow at Cora Baptist Church Cemetery in Jay, FL.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2013, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Jay Funeral Home.
Active Pallbearers will be Damon Boutwell, David Deese, Jason Lowry, Jeremy Lowry, Neal Lowry and Randy Lowry.
The family would like to express our gratitude to our magnificent family, friends and neighbors for their extension of love throughout Bugs’ lifetime.
Valentino, Broxson Touting Escambia County On Panama Trip
June 3, 2013
Escambia County Commissioner Gene Valentino and Rep. Doug Broxson are joining state leaders on trip beginning today to Panama to visit the Panama Canal expansion project, meet with government officials and tour manufacturing sites.
The canal is currently undergoing expansion that seeks to double its capacity by 2015 by building two new locks, one each on the Atlantic and Pacific sides. The expansion will also excavate new channels to the locks, widen and deepen existing channels and raise the maximum operating level, allowing for larger ships to utilize the canal.
By capitalizing on the economies in Central and South America and the growing East-West trade routes, Florida has the opportunity to become a leading trade and logistics hub for the United States. “The expansion of the Panama Canal has the potential to bring more than 140,000 new jobs to Florida, and this trip will be an excellent opportunity to promote Florida’s ports,” said Broxson (pictured).
During his time in Central America, Commissioner Valentino will meet with various business leaders. Valentino will discuss the many positive qualities Escambia County has to offer international companies looking to expand their presence in the United States.
Florida has fifteen seaports, including three in the Panhandle – the Ports of Pensacola, Panama City and Port St. Joe. According to the Florida Ports Council, cargo and cruise activity currently supports more than 680,000 jobs in Florida. Florida’s ports contribute $96.6 billion of output to the state’s economy (including $26.1 billion in personal income and wages), which is equivalent to approximately 13% of Florida’s Gross Domestic Product. They also generate $2.4 billion in state and local taxes, in addition to $4.7 billion in federal taxes.
“By further establishing relationships with our foreign partners, we can ensure they are aware of the unique benefits our ports in the Panhandle offer to businesses throughout the region and the world.”
Broxson and Valentino will return to the U.S. on Saturday, June 8.
Tate Class Of 2013 Holds Baccalaureate Service
June 3, 2013
The Tate High School Class of 2013 held their Baccalaureate Service Sunday afternoon at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola. Graduation for the class will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Pensacola Bay Center.
Pictured top: The Tate High Class of 2013 Baccalaureate Service at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola on Sunday. Pictured inset: Longtime Tate government teacher Dale Gilmore addresses the crowd at Olive Baptist. Pictured below. Tate Principal Rick Shackle, Vice Principal Terry Colburn and Escambia School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas listen to the service. Photos by Mona Baker for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Shot By Mother Of His Child
June 3, 2013
An Escambia County man was jailed after being shot in Cantonment last week by the mother of his child.
A female told deputies the father of her child, 25-year old Casey Lee Leopard of Cantonment, came to her residence on Benjulyn Road holding their 2-year old child. She said he forced his way inside when she opened the door. He searched for and found the woman’s phone in an attempt to determine where she had been the previous night, according to an arrest report.
The woman retrieved a firearm, located ammunition for it and attempted to leave the residence. Leopard then allegedly thew her to the floor and choked her. She escaped his hold and loaded the gun. As Leopard approached her again in her hallway, she shot him in the knee, the report states, because he was coming toward her and she feared being attacked again.
Leopard fled the residence and was later located at Victory Assembly of God Church on Highway 29, the report states. He was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital for his injuries. After his release, Leopard was arrested and charged with domestic battery by strangulation and depriving the use of 911. He was later released from the Escambia County Jail on a $5,000 bond.
Summer Reading Fun Begins
June 3, 2013
Kids of all ages can keep their reading skills sharp this summer as they “Dig Into Reading” with summer reading programs underway at area libraries.
WEST FLORIDA LIBRARY
The West Florida Public Library will hold a “Dig Into Reading” summer reading club for all children ages preschool and up. The event will include stories, weird noises, shadow puppets, magic, reptiles and more.
The 2013 Summer Reading Club will be held June 3-August 10. Children can register at any West Florida Public Library.
Century Branch Library
Summer Reading Program – Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m.
Molino Branch Library
Preschool story time — Mondays, 2:45 p.m.
Summer Reading Program - Mondays, 4:00 p.m.
Tryon Branch
Preschool story time — Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
Summer Reading Program - Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m.
Main Library
Preschool story time — Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.
Summer Reading Program - Mondays, noon.
Southwest Branch
Summer Reading Program – Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
Westside Branch
Preschool story time — Saturdays, 2:30 p.m.
Summer Reading Program – Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m.