Alice Geralidine Johnston Wilkins
February 16, 2013
Alice Geraldine Johnston Wilkins, 88, of Pensacola, passed away Saturday, February 9, 2013. Mrs. Wilkins was born in Brewton, to Kathryn Jordan and W.T. Johnston, she started life on a farm outside of Flomaton. The family moved to Jackson, MS where she graduated from Central High School in 1941. Upon graduation she boarded a train to California, a bold and gutsy move for a penniless 18 year old, with no connections in the West. The courage she demonstrated in 1941 was only one indication of her life to come as part of the greatest generation. She began working as a civil service typist during WWII for the Army Corp of Engineers and Army Air Corp.
In 1950, she married Sgt. George S. Wilkins and continued, as a mother of two, working for the Air Force. She worked onboard NAS Pensacola for civil service and as the Equal Opportunity Officer for Corry Hospital, retiring in 1985 as a GS 12. Mom was a lioness with a big heart in the guise of a movie star. She marched with the National Organization of Women in support of the Equal Rights Amendment; she faced harassment and discrimination typical of the day for a working mother where she gained the resolve to help improve the lives of others; she volunteered as a Crisis Hotline Counselor for suicide prevention and teen pregnancy; she served on the Board of Directors for the Alzheimer’s Association and for 10 years as the primary caretaker for our father after his stroke. Mom was dedicated, committed, compassionate and fearless. She is loved and will be missed.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, George S. Wilkins; sisters, Louise Armstrong of Jackson, MS, Kathryn James of Pensacola and Jean Hipps of Melbourne, FL.
She is survived by her sister; Sue Peterson of Big Timber, MT; brother, David Johnston of New Braunfels, TX; sons, Stan (Gina) of St Petersburg, FL and Keith (Joan) of Pensacola; granddaughters, Katie Kimbrell (Mark) of Portland, OR and Hillary of St Petersburg, FL; grandsons, Alex of Orlando, Carl of Miami, and Austin and Keight of Pensacola; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and our adopted family of Herbert, Ruth, Matthias, Jeannette, Selina and Tim Gotl of Steinau Germany.
Memorial services will be announced in the near future with interment at Barrancas National Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Alex Wilkins, Carl Wilkins, Austin Wilkins, Keight Wilkins, Sam Armstrong and Matt Armstrong.
Honorary pallbearers will be David Johnston and Mark Kimbrell.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Family Services, 1900 N. Palafox St., Pensacola, FL 32501.
Special thanks to Maureen McBride, Liz, Gloria and the staff at Medi Home Health for the years of care, companionship and special attention; Cathy Ward and Kiara Palonco and staff of The Blake in Gulf Breeze for their attention, friendship and loving care and the staff of Emerald Coast Hospice.
Colder Weather Returns
February 15, 2013
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: A 20 percent chance of rain after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 55. Breezy, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
- Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 26. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light after midnight.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 56. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
- Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 36. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
- Washington’s Birthday: A 20 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.
- Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph.
- Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 70. Southeast wind around 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
- Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 67.
- Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.
- Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 67.
- Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50.
- Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 68.
Photos: What-A-Rock Stops Truck
February 15, 2013
A truck driver found himself stuck between a rock and a hard place in Century Thursday afternoon.
The 18-wheeler driver turned too short, hitting a landscaping rock as he entered the truck parking lot at the Whataburger on North Century Boulevard just south of East Highway 4. The rock became lodged under the truck’s trailer.
The truck-rock combo were stopped for hours waiting for a wrecker.
The Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue was called to the scene after an unfounded report that the truck was leaking fuel. The Escambia County Sheriff’s off also responded, helping direct traffic.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Deputy Pursuit Ends With Crash, Two Injured
February 15, 2013
A high speed chase involving Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies ended with a crash on Michigan Avenue Thursday afternoon.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 28-year old Antonio Emmanuel Moorer fled from Escambia County deputies at a high rate of speed for several miles. As he approached Memphis Avenue, he veered to the right from the inside lanes and appeared to be turning right when he struck another vehicle driven by 47-year old Tonya G. Madarena of Pensacola.
Madarena was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in serious condition.
Moorer fled the accident scene on foot but was arrested a short time later at a nearby Tom Thumb. After being treated for his injuries at Sacred Heart, Moorer was arrested and transported to the Escambia County Jail.
Moorer was charged by the FHP with fleeing and eluding law enforcement resulting in a crash with serious bodily harm, driving while license suspended habitual traffic offender and driving with no license. He was charged by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office with failure to appear in a felony drug case.
Escambia County Won’t Impose Additional Regulations On Chickens
February 15, 2013
The Escambia County Commission has chickened out of a new ordinance regulating the raising of chickens in the county, mostly because the cost would be more than just chicken feed.
Last year, the City of Pensacola passed an ordinance that regulated chickens within the city limits. After observing if the ordinance would fly in the city, the county commission took up the issue Thursday morning.
“I don’t think they have detained, arrested or incarcerated any of them,” Lloyd Kerr, the county’s director of Development Services, said about chickens in the city since their ordinance went into effect.
The ordinance considered by the county would have regulated chickens to lots at least one acre is size, no more than eight chickens per residence, no roosters, required coops to protect the chickens from predators, and not allowed the sale of chickens.
County staff had estimated the cost to enforce the ordinance at $115,425 to hire three new animal control officers, $134,505 for three additional animal control vehicles and additional costs since the county animal shelter currently has no way to keep chickens.
“I’m not going to be for spending $300,000 to $400,000 so people can raise chickens in residential neighborhoods,” Commissioner Wilson Robertson said. “I will not support that kind of money to go out and worry about a loose chicken somewhere.”
District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry questioned if problem chickens were even a real issue in the county. He said his office has received literally just one call about chickens running wild in a neighborhood. He said he visited the area and found most neighbors were were aware of the feral chickens, some even feeding them, without any complaints.
Commissioners voted not to support a new chicken ordinance, instead sticking with the county’s current ordinance that allows chickens only in areas zoned agriculture or rural.
Red Light Camera Repeal Gets Narrow Committee OK
February 15, 2013
A relatively new state law allowing local governments to use cameras to catch red light runners would be repealed under a bill that narrowly passed in the House Economic Affairs Committee on Thursday.
The nearly two-hour debate ranged from drivers’ constitutional rights to the plight of ticketed tourists to studies showing reduced injuries at intersections after red-light cameras were installed.
The law has been under attack almost since state lawmakers voted in 2010 to allow local governments to use the cameras.
This year’s repeal bill (HB 4011), a bipartisan effort sponsored by Reps. Daphne Campbell, D-Miami, and Carlos Trujillo, R-Miami, was approved 10-8 by the Economic Affairs panel, its first committee stop in the House.
Trujillo touched a chord with Republican lawmakers, most of whom voted for the bill, by arguing that public safety isn’t worth sacrificing constitutional rights.
“We’re willing to compromise the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution: the right against self-incrimination for self-perceived safety,” he said. “That’s the road we’re going down. We’re willing to tell somebody, ‘You are guilty until proven innocent.’”
Law enforcement interests and municipal governments, which get a portion of the fines paid by red light runners, are strongly opposed to the measure.
“I think it’s obvious that it does change people’s driving behaviors, and I think it is obvious that it also helps to save lives and prevent people from having serious injuries,” said Haines City Police Chief Rick Sloan.
Last month, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles released a report showing that crashes were less frequent at intersections monitored by red light cameras. The report, based on data from 73 agencies, found accidents were less frequent at monitored intersections in 41 jurisdictions but more frequent at monitored intersections in 11 jurisdictions.
The panel also debated the question of local governments, law enforcement agencies and contractors making money from the fines.
“This law is strictly revenue driven,” Campbell said.
According to Kathleen Russell, a lobbyist for the City of Orlando, the city took in $6.1 million over the last two years and turned over $3.1 million to the state. After Orlando paid its costs, she said, its profit from the fines was $300,000.
“Whether we’re going to call it a fine, a tax or not, I feel like when we’re creating a system that … allows maybe excessive fines to be produced, I don’t think it is the best interests of what we should be doing for the citizens,” said Rep. Jimmy Patronis of Panama City. The Republican committee chairman, voted for the repeal bill.
Campbell alleged that having red light cameras at intersections discriminates against minorities, the elderly and the poor based on where they are placed, though law enforcement officials denied that was the case.
The Tampa Bay Times and Miami Herald reported last week that Campbell’s husband’s Honda Odyssey minivan had been caught on camera running a red light five times since the law passed. Campbell told the newspapers she only knew about one of those and doubted that others had occurred. She declined to be comment after Thursday’s committee hearing.
The bill now goes to the House Appropriations Committee, its last stop before reaching the House floor, but so far, the measure has no Senate sponsor.
By The News Service of Florida
Lady Chiefs Open Season With Win Over Pensacola Catholic
February 15, 2013
The Northview Lady Chiefs opened their season with a 11-1 win over Pensacola Catholic High School Thursday evening in Bratt.
The varsity and junior varsity Lady Chiefs will hit the road for their next three games — Friday, February 15 at Chipley; Thursday, February 21 at Baker; and Friday, February 22 at Holmes County. The next home game for the Northview Lady Chiefs will be Monday, February 25 as they host Escambia Academy in Bratt.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured top: The Northview Lady Chiefs beat Catholic 11-1 Thursday evening in Bratt. Pictured inset: Pitcher Misty Doran, a Wallace State Community College commitment, took the mound for the Chiefs. Pictured below. Angel Lathen for the Chiefs. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
2013 Jay Winterguard and Indoor Percussion Show This Weekend
February 15, 2013
Over 35 indoor drum lines and color guard units from three states will complete for the top titles in their classifications Saturday during the 2013 Jay High School Winterguard and Indoor Percussion Show.
Drum lines will perform at 2 p.m., and color guards will perform at 4:30 p.m. in the Jay High gymnasium. Admission is $7, with ages five and under and ages 65 and older free.
Company To Provide Employee, Dependent Health Services For Escambia Schools
February 15, 2013
The Escambia County School District has entered into a partnership with Marthon Health to provide onsite health services for 9,000 district employees, dependents, and retirees.
Marathon Health will provide onsite total population health management, including primary care, health assessments, health coaching, and disease management.
The Escambia County School District contracted with Marathon Health as part of an overall effort to promote health and wellness, increase participation in primary and preventive care services, improve health risk management, and reduce healthcare costs.
Marathon Health’s total population health management model moves away from ’sick care’ toward a solution focused on the whole person, not just their symptoms. The model is designed to help individuals maintain or improve their health status, while at the same time helping employers reduce the increasing burden of health care costs.
Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said the district decided to become an early adopter of onsite healthcare because healthier employees are more productive both at work and at home, which is critical in education.
“Working with Marathon Health provides our staff with convenient access to both high-quality acute care and preventive services that help them lead healthier lives,” Thomas said. “The healthier our employees are, especially our classroom staff, the more productive they are in working with students. And the fact that this service will help the district control rising health care costs is another reason why we can’t wait to get started.”
Tate High FBLA Members Place At Districts, Headed To State
February 15, 2013
Fourteen Tate High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members placed in the recent District I FBLA Competition.
District I is comprised of chapters including Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. Competition included categories such as written, skilled and performance events. The following students placed in their respective category and are eligible to attend the state competition which will be held in Orlando in April”
- Business Calculations: Jansen White – 1st place
- Website Development: Connor Doten, Chase Green, Keenan Williams – 1st place
- Game Development: Zachary Gravitt and Andrew Stark – 1st place
- Business Decision Making: James Wright – 2nd place
- Game Development: Louis LeDue – 2nd place
- Computer Problem Solving: Darren Gulsby – 2nd place
- Computer Problem Solving: Wesley Sapp – 4th place
- Sports Management: Heath Herndon – 3rd place
- Cyber Security: Hailey McQuaid – 4th place
- Job Interview: Sayra Mauldin – 4th place
- Business Math: Kyle Dibattista – 4th place
The Tate High FBLA advisors are Janice Courson and Gene Seales.
Pictured top: Tate High School FBLA members. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.