Cove Landfill Fire Burns Again
January 24, 2013
The Cove Landfill in Ensley was burning again Thursday morning, sending huge plumes of smoke skyward — just hours after the fire was declared extinguished.
Escambia County Solid Waste officials declared Wednesday night that the fire was completely out with no smoke or ashes, but the fire reignited by morning.
The Cove Landfill, located directly behind Pine Meadow Elementary School, started burning last Friday, often producing large amounts of smoke. The fire was burning underground, where natural debris such as tree limbs, stumps and other natural material spontaneously combusted. Officials say there is no construction debris in the material.
As the smoke billowed from the site Tuesday, children at Pine Meadow Elementary were relocated from portable classrooms into the main building as a precaution. Air conditioners and fans were used to keep air circulating for students.
The smoke prompted the Escambia County Health Department to issue a health advisory.
Pictured: Smoke billows from the Cove Landfill behind Pine Meadow Elementary School Thursday morning. Reader submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Murzin Now Aide To Former Opponent Evers
January 24, 2013
If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.
Sen. Greg Evers (R-Baker) has a familiar face in his office. Former Rep. Dave Murzin, who once wanted the seat Evers holds, is now one of Evers’ two legislative assistants in his Pensacola office.
“I look forward to serving the people of Northwest Florida through the office of Senator Greg Evers,” Murzin said Wednesday. “I am humbled by the opportunity given to me by Senator Evers.”
Murzin was term limited in 2010 and was running against Evers, then also in the House, in the GOP primary for the seat being vacated by former Sen. Durrell Peaden. Murzin dropped out of that race in May 2010, to run for an Escambia County commission seat. When he lost the multiple candidate commission election in August of that year, it was the first time he’d been out of politics since college.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.
Escambia Legislative Delegation To Consider Local Proposals
January 24, 2013
The Escambia County Legislative Delegation will hold a public meeting next week to consider three local bills, including proposals made by the City of Pensacola, the Town of Century and the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA).
The delegation, consisting of Sen. Greg Evers, Rep. Clay Ford, and Rep. Clay Ingram, will meet Thursday, January 31 at the University of West Florida, Building 90, at 5 p.m.
the road to the crown: Meet The Girls (part two)
January 24, 2013
Today, it’s part two of our multi-part series “the road to the crown” as we follow 24 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss NHS 2013″.
Today we introduce you to the second group of contestants. Their biographies, as submitted by the girls, are below along with their photos. You can click any photo below to enlarge. (For the first set of contestants, click here.)
Our series “the road to the crown” will continue tomorrow with biographies and photos of the third set of contestants. The pageant is Saturday night at 7:00, and NorthEscambia.com will have the new Miss Northview High School and all the photos here Sunday morning.
Miss Tiffani Nichole Pritchett
Tiffany is the 16-year old daughter of James Pritchett and Debbie Lee. She is being sponsored by Escambia Drug Store. Tiffani has been on the junior varsity volleyball team for two years, a member of the varsity volleyball team for one year, and was the recipient of the 2011 “Best Offensive Volleyball Player” award. This year, she was the recipient of the “Most Improved” award. She has been on the junior varsity softball team for two years, the varsity softball team for one year, and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year. Tiffani has been a member of the weightlifting team for one year, a member of Rho Kappa for one year, and was an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Star. In her community, she has played softball for the Molino Ballpark team for seven years and she also volunteers her time to help coach younger girls in softball. Tiffani is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Bratt.
Her hobbies include playing sports, reading, photography, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend Auburn University and pursue a medical degree. She hopes to one day become a pediatrician.
Miss Jessica Ashlynn McCall
Ashlynn is the 15-year old daughter of Robert and Danielle McCall and Kristi Crawford. She is sponsored by her family. Ashlynn has been a member of the Future Business Leaders of America for one year, the Weightlifting team for one year, and was elected sophomore class reporter. In the 2012 Miss NHS pageant, she received the “Miss Congeniality” award. In her community, Ashlynn volunteers her time at the local animal shelter and participates in a Community Outreach Ministry. She has also played community softball for seven years. She is an active member of Golan Baptist Church, volunteers with the children’s church ministry, and plays softball for the church softball team.
Her hobbies include reading, scrapbooking, home interior decorating, watching Alabama football with her Dad, and spending time with her family and friends; especially her little sister Kyleigh.
Her future plans are to attend Florida State University and major in psychology. She hopes to one day become a teen counselor. Ashlynn’s main goal in life is to help people.
Miss Mariah Laine Albritton
Mariah is the 16-year old daughter of Randy and Lisa Albritton. She is sponsored this evening by the Wrangler Steak House. Mariah has been a junior varsity cheerleader for three years, a member of the dance team for one year, and a member of the weightlifting team for one year. She has been a member of the Spanish Club for two years, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for three years, the Future Business Leaders of America for two years, and a member of Rho Kappa for one year. In her community, Mariah has volunteered with the Chief Challenge 5K Run, as well as William Station Day and Mayfest. She is a member of the Youth Leaders of Atmore and is an active member of Grace Fellowship in Atmore where she participates in the “Ignite” youth group.
Her hobbies include shopping with her mom, cheerleading, reading, writing, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend Pensacola State College to become an ultrasound technician. After becoming settled in her career, she wants to start a family.
Miss Courtney Elizabeth Lambert
Courtney is the 17-year old daughter of Aaron and Kim Lambert. Her sponsor is her family. Courtney has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for four years, a member of the NHS Glee Club for one year, and a member of the Student Government Association for four years. She has been a majorette for the Tribal Beat Marching Band for four years and currently holds the title of Captain. In her community, she volunteers her time at Bratt Elementary School.
Her hobbies include twirling baton, singing, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend Pensacola State College for two years and then transfer to the University of Florida. Courtney hopes to earn a degree to become a dentist.
Miss Rebekah Mary Sepulveda
Rebekah is the 16-year old daughter of Scott and Becky Sepulveda. She is sponsored this evening by her family. Rebekah has been a junior varsity cheerleader for three years and last year held the joint title of captain. She has been a member of the Spanish Club for one year and is currently a member of the NHS competition cheerleading team. In her community, she is an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and is involved with the S.M.Y.L.E. youth group. Rebekah also does volunteer work with her father at the Optimist Club, as well as, volunteer work at Byrneville Elementary School.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, dancing, photography, traveling, and baking.
Her future plans are to attend college and pursue a degree to become a dental hygienist.
Miss Morgan Maxine Ward
Morgan is the 15-year old daughter of Carl and Melissa Ward. She is sponsored by the First National Bank of Atmore. Morgan has been a junior varsity cheerleader for two years and currently holds the title of captain. She is also a member of the NHS competition cheerleading team, a member of the NHS Glee Club, and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She is a member of the junior varsity basketball team and is also a member of the Future Business Leaders of America. While at cheerleading camp this summer, Morgan was a recipient of the “Pin It Forward” award. In her community, she is an active member of Atmore First Assembly of God Church and participates on the drama team, the Fine Arts team, and sings in the choir. For the past three years, Morgan has volunteered her time as an assistant cheerleading coach for the Northwest Escambia mini-mites. She has also participated in various Relay for Life events.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, singing, and making human videos.
Her future plans are to attend Faulkner State to earn her associate’s degree and then transfer to Auburn University to earn her degree to become a pediatrician.
Miss Julie Beth Hester
Julie is the 15-year old daughter of Jeff and Mechelle Hester. She is sponsored by her family. Julie has been a majorette for the Tribal Beat Marching Band for two years, a member of Twirl Time for five years, and an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Star for one year. In her community, she is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Bratt, where she participates in the youth group, Team David, and the Random Acts of Kindness group. Over this summer, Julie has volunteered her time at Molino Park Elementary School and has also volunteered at Vacation Bible School.
Her hobbies include twirling the baton, fire twirling, reading books, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend a four year university and obtain her degree. She hopes to enter a career field which will allow her to help people, such as a counselor or therapist. While in college, Julie wants to be on the majorette line.
Miss Misty Suzanne Doran
Misty is the 17-year old daughter of Jerry and Suzanne Doran. Her sponsor is her family. Misty has been a member of the weightlifting team for three years, a member of the cross country team for one year, and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for two years. She has been a member of the Future Business Leaders of America for two years, a member of the Spanish club for two years, and a member of the Glee Club for one year. Misty has been a varsity softball player at Northview for four years and a member of the varsity volleyball team for four years. She was awarded the “Highest Batting Average” award for softball and was awarded “Best offensive and defensive” player for volleyball. This year, she was the recipient of the “Most Valuable Player for Offense” award. Misty is a majorette for the Tribal Beat Marching Band and participates in the drama department. She was in the Christmas variety show, as well as, the Veteran’s Day Program. Misty has been a member of the All-Star team and the Diamond girls for two years, an All-Area player for two years, and won the 2006 and 2011 Panama City World Series. In her community, she attends Potential Church and is a member of the “Rush” youth group. She also does volunteer work at the Century Care Center.
Her hobbies include playing the guitar, running, music, photography, and playing softball.
Her future plans are to attend Wallace State in Alabama on a softball scholarship. She wants to major in sports medicine and become an athletic trainer.
Scott Calls For $2,500 Raise For All Teachers
January 24, 2013
Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday called on state lawmakers to give every full time public school teacher a $2,500 raise, a request that was met with encouragement, caution and a more than a little skepticism by lawmakers and teacher advocates.
Visiting Ocoee Middle School in central Florida, the governor said he would push lawmakers to approve the across-the-board pay increase for full-time teachers, who have gone several years without raises and been asked to pay more for retirement as the state and local school districts have scrambled for cash.
“Ultimately, I want all Florida families to have more opportunities to pursue their dreams,” Scott said in remarks prepared for delivery at the school. “That means more job opportunities. It is impossible to connect more Floridians with great jobs without a strong education system that supports student achievement.”
The raise, which would have to be approved by the Legislature and subject to local collective bargaining agreements, would cost taxpayers about $480 million – money not everyone is certain can be found.
The state’s largest teachers union was “encouraged” by the news.
“This begins to repair the damage that has been done to our students and those who work in our schools,” said Andy Ford, president of the Florida Education Association. The union has clashed frequently with Republicans in Florida over the last decade or so, over teacher pay, as well as many other issues.
Key lawmakers said they support the governor’s efforts, but stressed that any discussion of teacher pay and benefits has to be part of a large budget discussion – and some aren’t sure the money is available.
Though revenues are expected to increase in the coming fiscal year, lawmakers say that years of budget deficits and austerity have affected all branches of government.
Senate President Don Gaetz, a former Okaloosa County schools superintendent, said he prefers an approach of providing more funding to local school boards, which would then make decisions about pay increases.
When told of its expected cost, Gaetz acknowledged that it could be challenging to find the money. But he said it could involve making tradeoffs in deciding how to spend state funds.
“$480 million is a lot of money,” said Gaetz, R-Niceville.”It’s more money than some people think we’ll have.”
Scott is expected to release his full budget recommendation next week. Lawmakers, who convene in March, are not required to do anything with his spending blueprint. Historically, however, legislative leaders have at least given the governor’s plan some consideration.
The governor, who plans to run for re-election in 2014, began putting education issues on the front burner last year with calls on lawmakers to restore $1 billion to education coffers that had been trimmed by more than that following the collapse of the Florida housing market and subsequent recession.
State economists are predicting an uptick in revenues for the coming fiscal year as the state’s real estate market rebounds, businesses get back on their feet and consumers feel more confident. But lawmakers say counting on that additional revenue right now is a little premature.
“We need to make sure those funds are there,” said Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, the chairman of the Education Appropriations Subcommittee that would decide whether or not to include the raises in the Senate budget.
“They’re basing that additional money on projected revenue gains,” Galvano said. “And that very well may be the case, and we certainly support increased funding for education, but again we have to … run all the traps before we can work it into the education budget.”
“We look forward to working with the governor and seeing his entire budget recommendations and seeing how that works, how he is putting that together,” said Sen. John Legg, R-Lutz, and chairman of the Senate Education Committee.
Scott’s push for across the board pay raises follows an earlier policy focused more on merit pay.
“I believe in merit pay, I believe in measurement I believe in accountability,” Scott told reporters earlier Wednesday. “We’re going to continue to work on that, but right now the right thing to do is across the board pay raises for all of our full time teachers.”
House Speaker Will Weatherford has also expressed interest in a merit pay proposal.
Some Democrats said the governor is pandering to teachers as he seeks to stay in the governor’s mansion.
“You have to step back and look at it that way,” said Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach. “It is a political move, especially since he doesn’t appear to want to any (raises) for police, firefighter and other public employees.
“It’s almost an affront to their intelligence,” Pafford said. “Waving dollars after a clear anti-public education agenda and expecting to them to jump on the Scott bandwagon. Public educators know where he stands.”‘
Bur regardless of any political motive, some say the proposal is the first step in getting teachers some compensation after they were required to put 3 percent of their salaries into their pension plans and absorb a 2 percent increase in the federal social security tax.
“I’m sure there are those who would consider this to be a political move,” said Sen. Bill Montford, D-Tallahassee, and a former teacher, principal and school superintendent. “I can’t judge the governor on that but what I can say is that it is good for public education to recognize teachers in this manner.”
By The News Service of Florida
Escambia Boy Dies After Accidental Hanging
January 24, 2013
An 10-year old Escambia County boy died after investigators say he accidentally hanged himself with a rope in a vacant lot.
Brandon L. Bickley was unresponsive when Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies arrived in the 6300 block of Denver Avenue. Witnesses said Bickley was playing with a rope tied to a tree in a vacant lot. After the accident, a neighborhood adult had cut the rope from the tree as other neighbors started CPR.
Bickley was transported to a local hospital where he later died from injuries.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigation found there was no foul play in the death, and the death has been ruled accidental.
After Dodgers, Rockies Baseball, Northview Grad At Home On The Beat
January 24, 2013
Growing up in Century, Alvin Hayes spent a lot of time at America’s favorite pastime — baseball.
And he was good. Really good. After graduating in 2001, the Northview High Chiefs pitcher spent six years in the minor leagues after high school — five years in a Dodgers farm team and then a year on a Rockies-affiliated team before a shoulder injury ended his baseball career.
These days, he’s on a different path but no less excited about his future as a police officer in Brewton. Hayes, 29, has been with the department for two years and lives in Brewton with his wife Rebecca and their 13-month-old son Noah. He said he chose to live in Brewton due to the lower property tax rate, and because he is inspired by his job.
“I love the department, and look forward to working every day,” Hayes said. “I enjoy the camaraderie on the force and I like that there is a good work environment and no negative talk to distract officers.”
Hayes, a patrolman on the job, enjoys golf and baseball in his spare time.
“Alvin is a great police officer with a great level-headed approach to his job,” said Brewton Chief Monte McGougin. “He speaks well, carries himself in order and is an all around good person. He has worked narcotics, regular patrol and will have a long career here and I fully expect him to advance.”
Pine Forest High Placed On Lockdown
January 23, 2013
Pine Forest High School was placed on lockdown for about 45 minutes Wednesday afternoon after a report of suspicious, possibly armed person near the school campus.
Escambia County deputies searched the area, and the lockdown was lifted just after 4 p.m. There were no injuries reported.
Husband, Wife Killed In Traffic Accident Just Off “W’ Street
January 23, 2013
A husband and wife were killed in a traffic crash involving a single vehicle off W Street this afternoon.
The accident happened about 1:30p.m. on Massachusetts Avenue at Montclair Road, near the Brent Athletic Park. The Florida Highway Patrol said driver 71-year old Elton L. Burkett and 68-year od Nellene H. Burkett, both of Pensacola, were pronounced deceased at the scene byEscambia County EMS.
Elton Burkett was westbound on Massachusetts Avenue when he drifted off the roadway and collided with a tree. According to Escambia Fire Rescue personnel that witnessed the crash, he took no evasive action. Firefighters were on the scene within seconds and begin to administer CPR to both occupants.
The accident remains under investigation by the FHP.
Pictured: An investigation is underway into a fatal traffic accident on Massachusetts Avenue this afternoon that claimed two lives.. Reader submitted photos by Edwin Schaff for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Moves Forward With Library System Changes
January 23, 2013
The Escambia County Commission moved forward Tuesday with unanimous approval for big changes to the West Florida Library System.
The City of Pensacola and Escambia County currently share the library system financially, with the city managing the system. By October, the library system will come under the governance of a five-member board that ultimately answers to the Escambia County Commission.
“This is truly a wonderful day,” said Bette Hooton, president of the Library Board of Trustees, said Tuesday. “I, in the last so many years, have worked very hard for this, as has my library boards all through the years.”
The commission will appoint three members to the five member board. One member will be appointed by Pensacola’s may0r, and one will be appointed by the Pensacola council. Both the city and county will accept resumes from individuals that wish to serve on the board.
The library system’s employees are currently employed by the city. They will be transitioned into employment by the county. Employees will be moved from the city’s pension plan to the Florida Retirement system.
The Pensacola City Council must also approve the library transition plan before it becomes final.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.