E.D. “Bob” Pierce
November 3, 2014
E.D. “Bob” Pierce, 78 years young, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus at his home, Thursday, October 30, 2014. He was surrounded by the warmth of his wife and family.
He had many affectionate names. Most knew him as Bob, Poppie or Paw. Well-loved, respected and admired in the community, Bob had a way of making everyone feel welcome and important. Bob had a strong work ethic. He counted his fellow workers on the job as his personal friends. He never met a stranger.
Bob enjoyed singing with the Gospel Harmonairs. He loved to golf, fish and cut grass. He married the love of his life of 37 years, Eunice Pierce, on his birthday, March 15th, 1977, as a personal gift to himself. He loved his family and extended family. He thought the world of his sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews cousins and in-laws. His wife, children and grandchildren were especially close to his heart.
Bob was born in Cantonment on March 15, 1936. He retired from Escambia County School District as Escambia County Schools transportation supervisor and spent over 30 years serving Escambia County School Board.
Bob was preceded in death by, his parents, Walter and Arena Montgomery Pierce; sisters, Eva Savage, Florida Mae Jones, Armetha Brooks and Lillie Mae Brown; brothers, Sid Pierce, John Pierce and Abe Pierce and nephew Hercules “Peewee” Gray.
He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Eunice Pierce; step-daughters, Rev. Gina (Robert) Bryan, Anita Presley and Judy Presley; grandchildren, Brian (Kellie) Malone, Taylor Edwards, Christina Bryan and David Bryan; sisters, Arlene Gray, Carlee Donald, Mattie Mae Gray; six great grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be Monday, November 3, 2014, 5-8 p.m. for friends at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Hwy 29, Cantonment, Florida.
A special celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, November 4th, 2014, at 12:30 pm at Faith Chapel North, officiated by Rev. Timothy Nail and Rev. Gina Bryan. Interment will follow at Pensacola Memorial Gardens, 7433 Pine Forest Road, Pensacola.
The family is accepting flowers as well as donations to Ensley United Methodist Church in Bob’s memory.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North in Cantonment is in charge of arrangements.
Escambia County Expected To Approve Century Chamber Economic Development Plan
November 2, 2014
This week, the Escambia County Commission is expected to approve a Century Chamber of Commerce plan that will allow the University of West Florida’s Haas Center to handle economic development coordination for the chamber.
The county previously appropriated $40,000 for the chamber’s economic development program under an agreement that did not allow the chamber to subcontract services with the funds without the prior written approval of the county. The chamber requested the county approve a subcontract with the University of West Florida for the services of an economic development coordinator.
UWF’s Haas Center will provide a staffer for the economic development coordinator position and supplement pay and benefits to make it a full time position.
The Haas Center recently developed Century’s economic development strategic plan, and the Haas staffer that will take over the chamber position will work to implement the plan.
“I thought it was the best of both worlds,” said Century Mayor Freddie MCall, “for us to use the county money and go ahead and contract with the Haaas center to implement this (economic development plan) for us.”
A year ago, the chamber had hired Cindy Anderson for the economic development cooridinator position, which was funded by a previous $40,000 contribution from the Escambia County Commission. Anderson had spent a decade as executive director of Team Santa Rosa, a public-private partnership that was the economic development contractor for Santa Rosa County from 1992 until 2012.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Frost Advisory, 30’s Again Tonight
November 2, 2014
There is a frost advisory for tonight. Areas of frost are likely tonight that could kill sensitive vegetation. Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 37. North wind around 5 mph.
- Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
- Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 47. East wind around 5 mph.
- Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 76. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. East wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday Partly sunny, with a high near 77. East wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday Night A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Calm wind.
- Thursday A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74.
- Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 49.
- Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 70.
- Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 43.
- Saturday A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 68.
Escambia Man Gets 30 Years On Long List Of Felony Charges
November 2, 2014
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison on a variety of charges.
Charles Edward Cordera Brown received the sentence from Judge Ross Goodman after pleading no contest to trafficking in cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and tampering with evidence. He also entered a plea in three other cases that included trafficking in cocaine, trafficking in illegal drugs, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated assault, possession of cocaine with intent to sell or deliver, domestic violence battery and more.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Archery Season Opening Day Violations; Little Bass
November 2, 2014
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending October 30.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
On the opening day of archery season, Officer Manning located a hunter sitting in a ladder stand. When Officer Manning identified himself as an FWC officer, the hunter jumped out of the stand and took off running. After backup arrived, the officers looked around the stand and located a loaded .22 caliber rifle and some clothing. The officers, with help from local K-9 units, tracked the individual to a blacktop road. The track was lost at the road. The officers located the hunter’s cell phone during the track. The officers also located the hunter’s vehicle and were able to identify him from all the items they had found. The officers towed the vehicle. Warrants were issued for the suspect for numerous criminal charges.
Officer Hutchinson was patrolling the area of Escambia River and Williams Lake Boat Ramp. Upon arrival at the boat ramp, Officer Hutchinson observed two male subjects loading a boat onto the trailer. He made contact with both subjects and asked if they had caught anything. The owner of the boat said, “Yes, we caught a few small ones.” After the subjects pulled the boat out of the water and loaded it, the owner asked Officer Hutchinson if he wanted to look in the boat. While Officer Hutchinson was attempting to inspect the fish in the live well, the passenger of the boat pulled an undersized black bass out of the live well and turned toward the water with it. Officer Hutchinson told him to hold on and let him see it. At that time, the subject threw the bass into the water and the fish swam away. Officer Hutchinson asked the subject how long the bass was and he said, “It was 11 inches.” Officer Hutchinson asked him why he threw the bass into the water after being told to wait. He said, “I knew the bass was not legal to keep because it wasn’t 12 inches long.” The subject was issued a notice to appear citation for interference or obstruction of an FWC officer.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officers Hoomes and Manning were working the opening of archery season in Blackwater WMA. They observed a vehicle parked near a location where the officers earlier found an area baited with corn. The officers went to this baited area and located a hunter wearing camouflage. The hunter was sitting in a tree stand overlooking the baited area. He was also in possession of archery equipment. The subject admitted to placing the corn in the area and also admitted he knew it was illegal to hunt over bait in the WMA. The subject was issued a citation for hunting over bait in a WMA.
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week;however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
Early Voting Ends With Over 18K Ballots Cast In Escambia County
November 2, 2014
Early voting has ended in Escambia County for Tuesday’s General Election with 18,420 voters, an 8.4 percent increase over 2010.
In the North Escambia area, there were 3,010 ballots cast in Cantonment and 1,127 cast in Molino. The most popular early voting location was the Genealogy Branch Library on North Ninth Avenue with 5,449 voters.
The unofficial voter turnout based upon early voting and absentee ballots was 22 percent. Of those, 55 percent were Republican, 33 percent were Democrat, and 12 percent were other.
On Election Day, Tuesday, November 4, the polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Voters must present a valid photo and signature ID and must vote at their home precinct on Election Day. Voters are encouraged to be sure to know where to vote on Election Day by checking their voter information vard, sample ballot, the precinct finder at EscambiaVotes.com, or by contacting the Supervisor of Elections Office by phone or email prior to Election Day. Any voters who need to change their address should contact the elections office prior to Election Day.
Absentee ballots must be received in the elections office by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.
For further information on absentee ballots, early voting, or precincts and polling locations, call (850) 595-3900, email soe@escambiavotes.com or visit EscambiaVotes.com.
ERC Youth Football Champions: Excel, Flomaton And Jay
November 2, 2014
It was Championship Saturday for the Escambia River Conference youth football league at Northview High School with Flomaton, a couple of Excel teams and Jay handing losses to NWE, Neal and two Poarch teams.
The Escambia River Conference includes teams from Flomaton, Poarch, Uriah, Excel and East Brewton in Alabama; and Walnut Hill, Jay and Baker in Flomaton.
Results are posted under each photograph below:
Flomaton finished a perfect season with a 34-20 win over NWE for the senior championship.
Excel won the junior championship over Poarch 13-0.
The Excel sophomores ended a perfect season with a 37-27 championship win over Neal.
The Jay Royals defeated the Poarch Warriors 33-28 for the freshmen championship.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Cheer Up, The Election Is Almost Over
November 2, 2014
A chill descended upon Florida this weekend that is not tied to the campaign season.
But rather than dwell on the weather or Halloween mischief, the time is finally approaching for many in the Sunshine State to celebrate a long-deserved, early Thanksgiving.
There are justday go in the 2014 general election — barring any statewide recount — and we will know which of the unpopular gubernatorial candidates, Republican Gov. Rick Scott or former Gov. Charlie Crist, the Democratic convert, will lead Florida for the next four years.
Questions will also be answered this week about how big of a majority the Republicans maintain in the Legislature and in the state’s congressional delegation.
There is less suspense about the outcome of three Cabinet races.
The good news is that for the next few months email inboxes and Twitter chatter won’t be as stuffed on a daily basis with shrill missives from countless campaign spokespeople and candidates. Also, TV and online commercials will return to more honest pitches for criminal defense lawyers, automobile dealers and pharmaceuticals.
More important, state workers and lobbyists will be able to turn their attention to preparing bills that could wind up stuck in committees during the 2015 legislative session.
But first, the week in review:
THE ELECTION HOME STRETCH
As the election approaches, campaigning has dominated the news cycle. This week, more so.
OK, there was the excitement of a World Series Game 7 and the Louisville-Florida State University football game, which included halves that could be enjoyed by both Seminole haters and Seminole fans.
But those were interludes.
Former President Bill Clinton and singer Jimmy Buffett both made stops in Tallahassee for Democratic congressional hopeful Gwen Graham. Clinton is due to return Monday for Crist in Orlando.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie continued to fit time into his unofficial presidential aspirations to appear alongside Scott on a campaign swing. Christie is planning another South Florida trip Saturday, this time to Naples, with Scott.
Meanwhile, an ad in the bitter congressional contest between Democratic freshman U.S. Rep. Joe Garcia and Republican Carlos Curbelo, a Miami-Dade County School Board member, increased what was already a muddy contest.
Garcia ran a Spanish-language spot that featured a prominent Cuban dissident. The ad broke a supposed unwritten rule of South Florida politics against using opponents of the Castro regime for political gain, according to the Miami Herald.
And possibly setting the stage for runs at higher offices, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, both with plenty of money to burn and little opposition, got tastes of the state in separate campaign bus tours .
Putnam noted on Twitter that his tour stopped this week for coffee at Palmano’s in Winter Park, lunch at 4 Rivers Smokehouse in Winter Gardens, and that his “guava pastry tour” detoured to Melao Bakery in Kissimmee.
Atwater’s tweets have noted a stop at the Swamp Restaurant in Gainesville, a pizza party in Marion County, coffee and donuts in Pinellas County, ice cream with Attorney General Pam Bondi in Naples, and dropping off “my infamous Atwater cookies” for campaign workers in Sarasota County.
All three Cabinet members have also been putting in face time at Scott’s campaign stops.
HOW MANY WAYS CAN YOU SAY TOO CLOSE TO CALL?
Both Crist and Scott spent the week rushing across the state trying to drum up their bases to boost turnout.
And they need to.
The most-expensive contest in state history — and also one of the most negative — remains too close to call.
On Thursday, the latest polling showed that despite numerous attack ads and Scott’s debate-fan moment, nothing has really changed in the projections since this summer when the contest moved to a dead heat.
Crist has the support of 43 percent of likely voters, while Scott has 40 percent and Libertarian candidate Adrian Wyllie is at 8 percent, according to the latest Quinnipiac University poll.
Crist was up 14 points over Scott among women. Scott had a 10-point lead among men. In a potential outlier, or sign of the impact of the recent debates, independent voters now favor Crist by a margin of 47 percent to 29 percent over Scott, the Quinnipiac poll said. Wyllie was getting 16 percent. A week earlier, Crist was ahead of Scott among independents 41 percent to 38 percent.
Meanwhile, a University of Florida poll conducted for the Tampa Bay Times, Bay News 9 and News 13 of Orlando found the contest knotted at 36 percent for both Crist and Scott, while Wyllie was drawing 6 percent.
Since June, the average margin in polling has been less than 1 percentage point, with Crist up, when the major party candidates have been matched head-to-head in polls conducted by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Survey USA, Gravis Marketing, Quinnipiac, Rasmussen Reports, and the New York Times/CBS News, according to Ballotpedia.
With Wyllie added to the mix, polls during the same period are equally knotted, the average tipping by less than 1 percentage point to favor Scott, with Wyllie on a course for just under 7 percent of the vote.
STORY OF THE WEEK: The end is in sight for the governor’s race.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “A lot fewer people say that they’re interested in voting, because they feel like they can’t find out who’s telling the truth, there’s no one really talking about what would make these casual voters’ lives better. …” — University of South Florida political-science professor Susan MacManus.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Pensacola Chamber: Support Half-Cent Sales Tax
November 2, 2014
Re: Support for the Half-Cent Sales Tax
On behalf of the Greater Pensacola Chamber, I would like to share our support for the half-cent sales tax extension related to the proposed construction of three new public schools in Escambia County, Fla.
The growth of our business community is directly linked to the success of our local school system. Since 1997, the half-cent sales tax has served as a main source of funding for the Escambia County School District and has contributed to more than 350 school improvement projects totaling $300 million. Raising nearly $20 million annually, the sales tax has led to several facility renovations, safety improvements and school additions, including the construction of the new Blue Angel Elementary School, A.K. Suter Elementary School and Ernest Ward Middle School.
Navy Federal’s growth corridor near Nine Mile Road has resulted in climbing school enrollment, and the County’s Westside schools continue to deal with overcrowding issues, as well as dependence on portable classrooms. It is our belief that none of these problems are likely to be alleviated without another 10 years of local option sales tax funding.
Education plays a major role in helping to develop and grow economic prosperity, and we must ensure that our community has the resources it needs to succeed. The Chamber urges local residents to reinvest in our school system by voting for the extension of the half-cent sales tax. Not only will this tax renewal support the needs of our community for the next 10 to 15 years, but will also pave the way for future generations to come.
Respectfully,
Carol Carlan
Chair, Greater Pensacola Chamber Board of Directors
Rosie May (Koehn) Eicher
November 2, 2014
Rosie May (Koehn) Eicher passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 30 2014,, in her home in Walnut Hill with her family surrounding her bedside. She was born on October 16, 1944, in Kansas, and celebrated her 70th birthday two weeks before her passing.
She was married to Eldon Eicher of Walnut Hill on March 30, 1975, making Walnut Hill her home. She was a fine homemaker, and also worked at the Atmore Community Hospital and later at a doctor’s office as a transcriptionist. She was diagnosed with cancer about 10 years ago and fought that battle until her passing. She will be sadly missed by all that knew her.
She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Eldon; two sons Leonard, Scenic Ridge, OH, and John and wife Kristen of Walnut Hill; two precious grandsons; one sister and three brothers. She was preceded in death by her mother, both parents-in-law, and one brother-in-law.
Funeral services will be held Monday morning, November 3, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at the Walnut Hill Mennonite Church.
Visitation will be held at the Walnut Hill Mennonite Church on Sunday evening, November 2, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.