Bill Signed Aimed At Honoring Veterans
June 16, 2014
Florida will redesign 11 military-related specialty license plates and add a new plate — the Combat Medical Badge plate — to the inventory as Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill (HB 559) into law intended to further honor veterans.
The law, which goes into effect July 1, also requires some editing of state laws, changing all references of the Korean Conflict to the Korean War and the Vietnam Era to the Vietnam War. The changes were requested by veterans.
“This legislation is one more way we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice,” Scott said in a prepared statement. The bill will add related campaign medals or badges to the following already-existing plates: Florida National Guard; United States Armed Forces Reserve; Ex-POW; Pearl Harbor survivor; Operation Desert Storm; Operation Desert Shield; Operation Iraqi Freedom; Operation Enduring Freedom; Combat Action Badge; Vietnam War Veteran; and the renamed Korean Conflict Veteran.
Currently, only the Purple Heart and Combat Infantry Badge plates are stamped with the likenesses of the related campaign medals or badges.
The changes are expected to cost the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles $52,920 to do the redesigns.
by The News Service of Florida
ECUA Free Flood Debris Collection Ends
June 16, 2014
The free ECUA flood debris removal program has ended.
After June 16, normal ECUA policy regarding the collection of C&D materials will be back in force, and materials such as sheetrock, lumber and flooring, will be collected with an additional charge. Once materials are placed at the curb, ECUA customers may call (850) 476-0480 to request a quote for C&D debris removal. The ECUA can also provide roll off containers and dumpsters for removal of debris at an additional charge. Furniture and other large non-construction related items will continue to be collected weekly after June 16 free-of-charge as part of the ECUA’s bulk waste collection program.
For more information on ECUA residential sanitation and recycling programs, customers may visit the ECUA website at www.ecua.fl.gov, or contact customer service at (850) 476-0480.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
BayBears Over Wahoos 4-2
June 16, 2014
The Mobile BayBears broke a two-two tie with a pair of unearned runs in the bottom of the fifth inning on their way to a 4-2 win over the Blue Wahoos in the series finale at Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile.
Pensacola took a 2-1 lead in the top of the third inning on an RBI double by Yorman Rodriguez and a Devin Lohman sacrifice fly. The lead was short lived when Mobile answered with a run in the bottom of the inning. In the fifth inning, an error by Juan Silverio at third base opened the door for a pair of runs by Mobile which proved to be the difference in the game.
Fabian Williamson (L, 0-5) was on the mound when the BayBears scored the two go-ahead runs, thus saddling him with the loss. Both runs, however, were unearned. BayBear starter Charles Brewer (W, 3-1) picked up the win. He gave up 2 R/0 ER over 6.0 innings on four hits. He struck out eight against just two walks in his second consecutive win. Kaleb Fleck (S, 4) worked a perfect ninth inning to record his fourth save of the season.
Rodriguez led the way for the Wahoos offensively snapping an 0-for-15 slump with a 2-for-4 afternoon including a run scored and an RBI. Steve Selsky (2-for-3) also had a multi-hit game for Pensacola. Rey Navarro extended his on-base streak to a team-high 23 games with a walk in the third.
Pensacola will enjoy a three day break for the Southern League All-Star game. The Blue Wahoos will return to the field on Thursday, June 19 against the Huntsville Stars to open a five-game series.
by Tommy Thrall
Clyde Verneal Huff
June 16, 2014
Clyde Verneal Huff was born January 12, 1922, to Joseph Oswald and Fannie Vera Darr Huff of Millport, Alabama. He died Friday, June 13, 2014.
He was married for over 67 years to Frances Adele Flowers Huff, a wonderful wife and mother of their three children. Preceding him in death are his son, Joseph Hobson Huff (Charlotte), his daughter, Brenda Joyce Huff, and brother, Derral Huff. Mr. Huff is survived by his wife Frances, his son, Larry Waldo Huff (Susan), brother Fred Huff of Thomasville, Alabama, four granddaughters, Tammy Hester, Wendy Huff, Vivian Ruth Huff, and Amanda A. Hindsman (Craig), one grandson, Christopher Lee Huff, numerous great grandchildren and one great-great grandson.
Clyde served in the Army in New Guinea, the Philippines, and Dutch East Indies where he served as a member of a mortar crew. He received the Purple Heart in the Philippines. He mustered out of the service on December 25, 1945, and returned home to Millport where met and married the love of his life, Frances Flowers.
After graduating from Millport High School, Clyde attended Mississippi State College where he played semi-pro baseball. Clyde moved his family to Pensacola in the late forties. He worked at Saint Regis Paper and retired as a head finisher after working there for 28 years.
Clyde loved to hunt and fish with his friends. “Bro. Clyde”, as he was known by most, was a man of his word. If he told you he was going to do something, you could always depend on him doing it one way or another. Clyde also loved coaching softball and flag football. He influenced many young people by his dedication and commitment, not to the game, but to them. When you played for Mr. Clyde you were expected to play your best, act your best and always play fair.
Clyde’s greatest joy, besides being married to the greatest woman he had ever known, was sharing the love of Jesus by what he could do for others around him in need. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior when He was 32 years old, during a revival at Plainview Baptist Church. He was ordained and served as a deacon. He was a wonderful man, fine husband, father, grandfather, brother, and all around friend to everyone who was privileged to have known him. Clyde has come to the end of his journey here on this earth and has now heard the Lord say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Welcome to your reward in paradise.” So now his greatest journey has just begun. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Funeral service for Mr. Huff will be Tuesday, June 17, 2014, at 2 p.m. at Pensacola Memorial Gardens.
Wahoos Even BayBear Series 8-5 With 11th Inning Win
June 15, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos got another huge night offensively from Ross Perez and a three-hit game from Devin Lohman to beat the Mobile BayBears 8-5 at Hank Aaron Stadium on Saturday night.
It was the second night that hundreds of Blue Wahoos fans traveled across the bay courtesy of the Blue Wahoos organization to see the team on the road. In all, more than 800 Blue Wahoos fans made the trip to Mobile to watch the Blue Wahoos over the last two nights, many of them opting to take advantage of the provided round-trip bus transportation.
Pensacola had to play catch up, coming back from two-run and three-run deficits late in the game. Lohman tied the game in the ninth inning with a two-run home run to force extra innings. In the 11th inning, Lohman led off with a single and scored later on an RBI double from Steve Selsky. Perez put the game out of reach with a two-run home run to make it 8-5.
Both Lohman and Perez had identical 3-for-6 games with two runs scored and two RBI. Rey Navarro went 1-for-5 to extend his on-base streak to 22 games, the longest streak by a Wahoo this season.
On the mound, Mikey O’Brien started and went 6.0 innings allowing 2 R/ER with a walk and five strikeouts. Carlos Contreras (W, 2-1) pitched well late in the game for Pensacola. He earned the win with three shutout innings and five strikeouts. James Walczak (S, 4) got the save by holding the BayBears scoreless in the bottom of the 11th. BayBears backup catcher Steve Rodriguez (L, 0-1) took the loss. Making his first professional appearance on the mound, Rodriguez allowed all three Wahoos runs in the 11th inning.
Pensacola can win the series with a win Sunday to close out the first half. RHP Michael Lorenzen (4-4, 2.41) will get the start for the Wahoos against BayBears RHP Charles Brewer (2-1, 2.32). First pitch is set for 2:05 p.m. from Hank Aaron Stadium.
by Tommy Thrall
Father’s Day Forecast: Mostly Sunny And Hot
June 15, 2014
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light southwest in the evening.
- Monday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
- Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Tuesday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.
- Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Wednesday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.
- Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
- Thursday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
- Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Escambia 4-H Shows Off New Molino Home
June 15, 2014
An open house was held Saturday at the new Escambia County 4-H property on Chalker Road in Molino.
The site includes two parcels — a 79.5 acre lot that already includes a covered barn and will be home to most 4-H activities and a 28.7 parcel that will be used for livestock activities.
Construction should be complete within one to three years on facilities set to include restrooms, a small classroom, nature trails, campsites for tent camping, fire pit for outdoor cooking and group events, bird blind, archery area, low ropes course, a horse arena, and livestock facilities for shows, clinics, animal science seminars and field days. The facility will also allow 4-H’ers to study astronomy, meteorology, animal science, plant science, soil science, water quality, health sciences, environmental science and more.
“The utility of what 4-H has now at Langley Bell can easily be recreated on the new property,” Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said.
4-H members, supporters, families, community leaders and politicians hopped on a tractor-pulled wagon Saturday for tours of the site, where neatly labeled signs help them envision the location of various activities.
The land sales were handled by Beck Properties, which made a $9,750 donation to 4-H Saturday to return the real estate transaction fees.
Night Work On I-10 At Hwy 29 In Escambia County
June 15, 2014
Drivers on I-10 in Escambia County will encounter nighttime lane closures Monday, June 15 and Tuesday, June 16 on the eastbound I-10 on ramp from northbound Highway 29 and the outside eastbound I-10 lane to east of milepost 10.75.
Lane restrictions will remain in effect 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for roadway repair work. All planned construction activities are weather dependent and may be re-scheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Dear Dad: Father’s Day Wishes
June 15, 2014
For Father’s Day, NorthEscambia.com invited our Facebook fans to share thoughts about their dad. Responses are below.
Luis Gomez , Jr. — (pictured above) We would like to wish our dad a Happy Fathers Day. Although, we are all in separate places, from being with our individual families or going to college, we want you to know we love you deeply. If we haven’t learned anything else from you, we know that family is everything. Thanks for everything you’ve done. We understand it was a hassle because it’s so many but we appreciate it all. We love you pops. – Laneicia Gomez
Ben Campbell – We have learned from daddy to be the best hunters in the world! — Blakely and Gracyn Campbell- Mardic Eddins – We love you. Thank you for always taking us to the park, fishing, buying us things from the store, letting us ride around the yard in the truck. – Nevaeh and Brayden
Robert Leslie Howington — Dad is an amazing father of three girls. He taught us auto repair — sometimes over the phone. He taught us work ethic — without even trying. He taught us the value of a good reputation — people stop me in the grocery store to tell him how he made a difference in their lives. Robert Leslie Howington is a treasure not just on Father’s Day, but every day. – Leslie Gonzalez- Sgt Kenneth “Bobby” Butler Sr. – I’d like to say Happy Father’s Day to my husband, Sgt Kenneth “Bobby” Butler Sr who is currently deployed to Afghanistan from all of us, Kenny, Jaime, Netanya and Mickey. We love you and miss you. – Gwen Butler
- James Seale — My dad is James Seale and he has taught me many things but one if the most important things he has taught me is how to give love and accept it. – Gianni Seale
Benny Hilliard – My dad has taught me over the years how to fix just about anything, from cars, to house hold repairs and anything in between. Thanks for showing me how to be the man of my house hold dad. Happy Fathers Day and we love you! — Johnathon, Charlie, Daniel and Katina- Lloyd Jordan -- My daddy Lloyd Jordan born and raised raised in flomaton loved to fish hunt work and garden. He was the best dad anyone could ask for he loved hanging out and talking with his friends mostly and loved his family and wife. Even though we lost him last year he is gone but never forgotten ♡ you daddy. — Kasey Jordan
Alton Wilson, Sr. – My Daddy Alton Wilson Sr., was the best dad. He worked hard at Alger Sullivan Sawmill. Daddy raised 11 children and two grandchildren because my oldest sister died when they were 1 and 3 years old. There father at the time could not cope with the lost of my sister so daddy and mama step up and did. Daddy also help raise one of my nephew’s because his parents divorce. Daddy would bring home everyday from the mill a arm full of wood for burning in the wood stove for cooking. He was a very hard worker. And always said you work hard for what you get so you take care of it, and it will last you a lifetime. — Willene Bryan
Frank Zisa – I have learned from my dad to never give up on anything. My dad has aways been my night and shining armor, he always knows when to make me laugh. I love sitting with him and listening to his stories about his childhood. This man taught me the difference between right and wrong, and to be who I want to be. My Dad has done so much for me, he would even sit out in the heat waiting on me at my softball practices, and if I forgot my lunch at home, he would always bring it to me with no complaints. I will always be my Daddys little girl. — Katelyn Zisa
Johnny McKendrick — I would like to say happy Father’s Day to my dad! He is the most awesome guy all around. He’s a great Christian man, very hardworking, and knows how to make everyone laugh. He means the world to me! Happy Father’s Day pappy, love breezy. — Brianna McKendrick
Tommy Weaver -- My dad showed me so much. Fishing, shooting, farming, driving a tractor, being fair to others, respect. The list is long. He’s missed so much. He taught me laughter. He always was joking around. He was an upstanding man. He was the greatest pawpaw my children could have ever been blessed with. He loved them so much. He was the best husband to my mother. And to my brother who has Down syndrome , my dad showed patience n commitment. He was just the best dad we could have ever been blessed with. The greatest man. – Tara Smith
Mark Butler — He has taught me that I want to be a volunteer firefighter just like him and to ice skate. Love you dad, Blake.
Tim Godwin — My Dad ALWAYS makes time for me. He coaches my baseball team, plays in my wii, takes me to lunch, swims with me, watches me bowl, and makes his work schedule so we can do things together. I wish everyone had a Dad like mine! — Rebeccah Godwin
Huey Knowles — Daddy worked as a livestock manager for the Alabama Department of Corrections. In other words, he was a cowboy. He lost an eye in a shootout…I like to say he was a real life John Wayne! Not an actor, but the real deal. He is out hero. He will do anything for anyone. All around great guy. — Tracy Sullivan
Argent Kavanah Hare (March 28, 1942-February 2013) – his man taught me to be the person that people appreciated and knew he would give a stranger the shirt off his back. He was always there to help friends and family. Lead a Gospel group that sang all over our area and held signings at his home for everyone. RIP pops, Love and miss him daily! — James Hare
Reader submitted photos and stories for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge
Arrest Made In Murder Of Football Standout
June 15, 2014
An arrest was made late Saturday night in an Escambia County homicide.
Shaquille Purifoy, 20, was shot in the head about 7:30 Friday night in the 8400 block of Country Walk Drive. He was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital where he passed away on Saturday.
Saturday night, investigators arrested 39-year old Xavier Tyrone Moore for the shooting. He was charged with felony murder, negligent manslaughter and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. His initial bond was set at $250,000.
The shooting appears to have been drug related, Detective Heath Jackson, spokesman for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, said early Sunday morning.
Purifoy was on the basketball and football teams at Pine Forest High School and went on to play football for Grambling State University.