Hospice Volunteers Needed; Free Training Available
October 5, 2014
There is a shortage of hospice volunteers in the North Escambia area. Covenant Hospice will hold a new volunteer workshop at the Century Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, October 11.
Covenant Hospital volunteers help with:
- patient and family support
- honoring veterans
- children’s programs
- faith- based initiatives
- teen volunteers
- ambassadors
- fundraising and special events
- community events
- bereavement services
- Alzheimer’s family services
- administrative projects
The training will take place from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday at the chamber office, 7811 North Century Boulevard. RSVP to Sharon Oakes at (850) 380-0356.
Bonus Photos: Northview Homecoming Court
October 5, 2014
Kamryn Brock was name the 2014 Northview High School Homecoming Queen Friday night. Other members of her court were First Runner-up Kendall Cobb, Second Runner-up Jessica McCollough, Freshman Maid Hannah Mascaro, Junior Maid Jadlyn Agerton and Sophomore Maid Morgan Myrick.
For a bonus photo gallery with every court member, click here.
Pictured top: Senior Kamryn Brock reacts to the announcement that she has been name Homecoming Queen. Pictured below: (L-R): Freshman Maid Hannah Mascaro, Junior Maid Jadlyn Agerton, First Runner-up Kendall Cobb, 2014 Queen Kamryn Brock, 2013 Queen Anna Fischer, Second Runner-up Jessica McCollough, and Sophomore Maid Morgan Myrick. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
October 5, 2014
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending October 2.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
While working on the Pensacola Fishing Pier, Officer Manning observed an individual catch approximately eight spotted sea trout. Officer Manning approached the individual and identified himself. After inspecting the individual’s catch, Officer Manning found that he was in possession of 12 spotted sea trout, eight of which were undersized. Officer Manning issued the individual notice to appear citations for the violations.
The next night, Officer Manning worked the Pensacola Fishing Pier again. At one point, he was approached by an individual and asked if he wanted to purchase a red drum. Officer Manning declined the offer. The individual approached several more fishermen asking them if they wanted to buy some fish. Officer Manning eventually observed the individual sell one red drum for $20. Officer Manning approached the individual who bought the fish and identified himself. The individual confirmed that he bought the fish for $20. Officer Manning seized the fish and approached the individual who sold it. Officer Manning discovered he was in possession of two more red drum. Officer Manning issued a notice to appear citation to the individual for selling saltwater products without a license, over the bag limit of red drum, and possession of alcohol by a person under 21 years old.
Investigator Goley received information on the location of a possible stolen vessel. He responded to the address and spoke to the current owner of the vessel. With the assistance of the current owner, Investigator Goley was able to find a hidden hull identification number (HIN) behind the rub rail. After running the HIN, Investigator Goley determined that the vessel was stolen approximately ten years ago. Since that time, the vessel has been sold several times. Investigator Goley contacted the insurance company, the rightful owner, and seized the vessel.
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.
Chief Spirit: Cheerleaders, Dance Team Photo Gallery
October 5, 2014
For a photo gallery featuring Northview’s cheerleaders and dance team, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Weekend Gardening: Time To Plant Those Fall Vegetables
October 5, 2014
by Santa Rosa Extension
The slightest hint of fall is in the air. But this doesn’t mean that the vegetable gardening season is over. Fall is an excellent time to grow cool-season vegetables.
Florida is unique in that we have multiple growing seasons. There is something that can be grown in the vegetable garden all year round. Knowing which vegetables to grow during which season is the key to having a successful harvest.
In the summer, gardeners are somewhat limited in the different types of warm-season vegetables that can be grown and will survive the heat. Now with cooler days approaching, we have a much wider selection of cool-season vegetables to plant.
In September many vegetables can be planted in the garden including beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, mustard, onions and radish. In October, you can plant Chinese cabbage, spinach and strawberries.
These vegetables are best started from transplants but many can be direct-seeded. If you seed them directly into the soil, keep the ground moist while it’s still warm to give them a good start. Keep them well watered if you transplant, too. The later you start, the smarter it becomes to transplant to cut the time to maturity. Preparing the garden properly is as important as selecting the right plants.
Choose a sunny location. Most vegetables perform poorly in shade. An area that receives at least eight hours of sunlight per day is best. Some vegetables such as broccoli, collards and spinach will tolerate partial shade. Avoid locating your garden near hedges or trees. They not only create too much shade but also compete with the garden for moisture and nutrients.
Locating the garden near the house will make it easier to periodically check the garden for insect pests and disease. And, it is easier to keep an eye on the garden for larger pests such as birds, squirrels and rabbits. Closeness to the house will make it convenient in tending to the garden chores.
Locate the garden near a water supply so it can be watered as needed. You’ll get only moderate results if you try to grow a garden without supplemental irrigation.
Of course, it’s important to prepare beds properly before planting. To do that, clear the site of all weeds or finished vegetable plants. Turn the soil with a shovel, fork or tiller to a depth of at least 8 inches, and spread a 2-inch to 4-inch layer of organic matter (leaves, grass clippings, aged manure or compost) over the tilled soil. This helps to maintain a high level of organic matter in the soil, which encourages a strong, healthy root system, improves drainage, retains moisture, provides nutrients and promotes vigorous plant growth.
Mix the organic matter thoroughly into the soil. Turn the soil by digging with a shovel, garden fork or a tiller until the materials you’ve added are evenly distributed in the soil. When using fresh organic amendments, it’s best to wait a couple of weeks before planting your transplants or seeds.
By this time of year, insects and diseases have had all summer to build up their populations. Insects such as whiteflies, stink bugs, aphids and caterpillars are commonly seen. Since insect and disease pressure often is greater in the late summer/early fall than in the spring, watch plants carefully for problems and use appropriate control measures promptly when needed. Contact your local Extension Office for control recommendations.
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Politics Dominate, But Reality Breaks Through
October 5, 2014
With Gov. Rick Scott, the entire Cabinet and many of the state’s 160 lawmakers out on the stump campaigning for re-election, the news about government in Florida has largely moved elsewhere.
There’s some work being done by the courts, which, at least in theory, comprise the least political branch. And the Public Service Commission, with members whose jobs are only indirectly on the line this fall, is still keeping an eye on utilities.
But even those tasks seem to be infused with campaign implications in an overly political season. A lawsuit against the state’s voucher system could cause some headaches for former Gov. Charlie Crist, whose base is divided over the issue. And politicians are sensitive to any PSC decision that could hit consumers — also known as voters — in the wallet.
Meanwhile, the campaign chugs on, with Scott and Crist trading blows over everything from lagoons to wedding dresses. Even as a tragic case in the Gilchrist County town of Bell served as a painful reminder of the real-life decisions that the winners will face when the campaigns end and the work of governing begins.
‘A 9-1-1 CALL TO THE FLORIDA SUPREME COURT’
Ironically, one of the most politically combustible cases working its way through the courts made the quietest progress this week, with the 1st District Court of Appeal deciding to send a challenge to the state’s congressional districts straight to the Florida Supreme Court.
A three-judge panel of the appeals court, in a 2-1 decision, agreed to the relatively unusual move, which is known as “certification.” It marked a victory for voting-rights groups fighting the congressional map, the latest chapter of a long-running battle between opponents of the lines and legislative Republicans. The organizations opposed to the congressional districts argue that they violate a state constitutional ban on political gerrymandering.
The lengthy battle over the lines was one reason that the appeals-court majority said the case should get fast-tracked.
“In this case, any doubts about the need for immediate review by the Supreme Court should be resolved in favor of certification,” said the opinion, written by Judge Philip Padovano and joined by Judge Simone Marstiller.
But in a dissent, Judge Scott Makar disputed the need to quickly send the case to the Supreme Court because the new districts won’t take effect until 2016.
“Certification … amounts to a 9-1-1 call to the Florida Supreme Court: ‘You’re needed now!’ ” Makar wrote. “That call is not justified in this case; ample time existing for the normal appellate process to be followed over the next two years. This (appeals) court can handle the matter expeditiously, leaving more than adequate time for Supreme Court review, if it deems it necessary.”
Leon County Circuit Judge Terry Lewis ruled this summer that two of the state’s congressional districts were unconstitutional, but later found that a revised map approved by the Legislature couldn’t be implemented in time for this year’s elections. Voting-rights organizations object to the revised map and have laid the groundwork to appeal Lewis’ approval of some of the original districts that he didn’t strike down.
Meanwhile, a group calling itself the Save Our Scholarships Coalition pushed for the Florida Education Association to drop a lawsuit challenging the state’s de-facto voucher program. The coalition, which emphasized the benefits of the program to lower-income students, provided the latest reminder of how the battle over vouchers divides the Democratic base in Florida.
The organization consists largely of African-American, Hispanic and Jewish leaders — some of whom have constituents who are parts of key Democratic voting blocs. But the coalition is at odds with the state’s largest teachers union, which often provides resources and organizational muscle for Democratic candidates.
“I cannot for the life of me fathom why these educators are willing to jeopardize the well-being of the state’s poorest students,” civil-rights leader H.K. Matthews said.
At the same time, the fact that the lawsuit challenging the voucher program is also supported by the Florida NAACP and a Jewish rabbi shows how complicated the fissures within Democratic voting blocs really are.
POLITICAL POWER
There are a few groups that politicians will rarely lose points for bashing during a campaign. Bureaucrats are near the top of the list. So are insurance companies. And somewhere in the mix are utility companies, which make a profit from something that is a necessity in everyday life.
So with pressure mounting from Tampa Bay-area politicians, many up for re-election, the Florida Public Service Commission unanimously rejected a staff recommendation to wait, and instead moved ahead with approval of a $54 million credit for Duke Energy Florida customers because of payments made toward a nuclear power plant that won’t be built.
The PSC’s staff wanted the panel to hold off until Duke completes a legal battle with Westinghouse Electric Co.
Duke’s 1.7 million customers in Central and North Florida won’t actually see the money. Instead the credit will be used to shave a few months off an ongoing monthly charge on residential customers of $3.45 per 1,000 kilowatt hours that is imposed for the scuttled nuclear plant in Levy County.
“In my book, I view that (the PSC’s decision) as a credit,” Commissioner Ronald Brise said after the vote. “If I had to pay ‘x’ amount over two or three years and ultimately I’m paying less, I’m receiving a credit. That’s the way I perceive it, and I think that is the way our customers are going to view it.”
In 2012, the utility regulators agreed in a settlement to impose the $3.45-a-month charge to cover previously approved costs and equipment already purchased for the Levy County plant. The fee was set to run into 2017.
Staff noted it could be a year or two before Duke’s legal issues with Westinghouse are settled.
But political currents have been battering utilities lately.
This week, a number of legislators announced plans to push bills during the 2015 session aimed at Duke and other power companies, with the proposals ranging from imposing state lobbying requirements on utility representatives hired to sway the commission to prohibiting a utility from being able to charge customers at a higher rate due to an extended billing cycle.
Prior to the commission meeting, Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, and Attorney General Pam Bondi were among those questioning the PSC staff recommendation that would have allowed Duke to hold onto the $54 million pending the outcome of the Westinghouse litigation.
Bondi sent a letter to Commission Chairman Art Graham before the meeting urging the money be refunded.
“The commission staff’s recent recommendation fails to consider the reality that these customers have been left on the hook for a failed project through no fault of their own,” Bondi wrote Monday. “Duke needs to do the right thing and credit its ratepayers now.”
ANTICIPATING A ‘SENSELESS MURDER’
Meanwhile, the Department of Children and Families released its first effort this week at piecing together what led up to a Gilchrist County man murdering his daughter and six grandchildren before committing suicide, the latest incident in what has become a wave of tragic headlines about the agency.
DCF said Wednesday that it would undertake increased staff training and other reforms in response to the incident, but concluded the rampage could not have been foreseen.
A preliminary report released by the department said the family was involved in 18 child-protective investigations from February 2006 to last month, with the grandfather, Don Spirit, involved in six of the investigations and alleged to be the perpetrator in three of the cases. In one instance, for example, investigators confirmed that Spirit physically abused his then-pregnant daughter, Sarah. She became one of his murder victims Sept. 18 and was the mother of the six dead children.
But the report said investigators could not have known that Spirit would ultimately go on the killing spree.
“The events that unfolded in Bell, Florida, on September 18, 2014, were an incredible tragedy that cuts to the heart of DCF’s mission,” the report said. “The senseless murder of these innocent children and their mother is an extreme outlier. There is no evidence to suggest that anyone, at any time, could have known that Don Spirit was capable of the premeditated and intentional massacre of his six grandchildren, his daughter, and then himself.”
The murders drew national attention to the small town of Bell and led to questions about whether the agency could have done more to protect the children. The department and the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office visited the family’s home as recently as Sept. 2, but the report said a case note indicated that the children were not “in imminent danger of illness or injury from abuse, neglect or abandonment.”
Spirit, 51, used a .45-caliber handgun to shoot his 28-year-old daughter, Sarah, and her children, 11-year-old Kaleb Kuhlmann, 9-year-old Kylie Kuhlmann, 8-year-old Johnathan Kuhlmann, 5-year-old Destiny Stewart, 4-year-old Brandon Stewart, and 2-month-old Alanna Stewart. He then called authorities, waited for them to arrive and shot himself.
In an email accompanying the report, department Interim Secretary Mike Carroll announced a series of actions the agency will take, including immediate retraining for Chiefland-based investigative staff members who handled the Spirit case. Also, Carroll said the department will require statewide training for all child-protective investigators on fact-gathering before the start of investigations.
STORY OF THE WEEK: State utility regulators approve a $54 million credit for Duke Energy Florida customers because of payments made toward a nuclear power plant that won’t be built
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I have been with the department for 25 years. And I thought I had seen it all until this tragedy occurred.”—Interim DCF Secretary Mike Carroll, on a murder-suicide that left eight people dead in Bell.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Susan Kay Graves
October 5, 2014
Susan Kay Graves, 57, passed away Friday, October 3, 2014, at her home in Brewton surrounded by family and friends.
Ms. Graves was born at Travis AFB in Fairfield, CA.
She graduated valedictorian of her class from Flomaton High School, and graduated from Auburn University with a degree in physics.
She began her professional career in Panama City, FL, working for the Civil Service at (NCSC) Naval Coastal System Center as an electronics engineer. Her career afforded her the opportunity to develop SOX lighting for 16 classes of Navy ships, study at the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA, and work as a systems analyst at the Pentagon in Washington D.C.
After retiring from the civil service, Ms. Graves dedicated her time and talents to her spiritual life and community, and became an ordained minister working, teaching and growing with her Unity Church family of Panama City.
Ms. Graves returned to Brewton in 1999, re-opening the convenience store her father and mother, Sam and Clara, had opened in 1965. The hope was that Susan’s Pantry would restore some of the convenience and community spirit the country grocery had once provided by serving the communities of Foshee, Pineview, Hammac, and Wildfork Road.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Sanford and Clara Graves.
Survivors include her life partner, Janet Beall of Brewton; brothers: Sanford Graves Jr. of California; William (Agnes) Graves of Texas; sister, Rebecca (Tommy) Blackmon of Auburn; and multiple cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 7, 2014, at 5:00 p.m. at the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Brewton, with the Rev. Rob Dixon officiating.
Arrangements by, Hughes Funeral Home & Crematory, Daphne, AL.
Raymond Bradley White
October 5, 2014
Mr. Raymond Bradley White, 60, passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2014, in Bay Minette.
Mr. White was a native and lifelong resident of Bay Minette. Mr. White was served with the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam veteran.
He is survived by his brother, Tom White of Bay Minette; three sisters, Miriam Purvis of Atmore, Audrey Gauci of Elberta and Diane Hicks of Perdido; and caregiver/nephew, Phillip Hicks of Bay Minette.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday, October 8, 2014, at 5 p.m. at the Bryars-McGill Cemetery with Bro. Michael Hadley officiating.
Pallbearers will be Chuck Hicks, Chase White, Cole White, Michael Purvis and Josh Tongret.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Paul Howard Godwin
October 5, 2014
Mr. Paul Howard Godwin, 60, passed away on Thursday, October 2, 2014, in Pensacola.
Mr. Godwin was a native of Atmore and a lifelong resident of Bratt. Mr. Godwin was a member of the Bratt Baptist Church. His father, Lester Godwin and infant son precede him in death.
He is survived by his mother, Nell Godwin of Bratt; wife, Gail B. Godwin of Bratt; one son, Matthew Paul Godwin of Bratt; and two brothers, Lester Lynn (Judy) Godwin of Pensacola, and Wayne Godwin of Bratt.
Graveside services will be held Monday, October 6, 2014, at 1 p.m. at the Godwin Cemetery with Rev. Delbert Redditt officiating.
Visitation will be held Monday, October 6, 2014, from 10 am. until 12 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Ernest J. Burns
October 5, 2014
Ernest J. Burns, 89 of Cantonment, passed away on Saturday, October 04, 2014.
Mr. Burns was born in Toone, TN on May 16, 1925, to the late George H. and Alice Wells Burns.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel I. Burns; son, Travis Burns; three brothers; three sisters; and a son-in-law.
Mr. Burns is survived by his seven children, Larry (Christy) Burns of Sugar Grove, PA, G.W. (Pam) Neal of Cantonment, Linda (Wendell) Rakestraw of Centre, AL, Theresa (Roger, deceased) Harris of Eufaula, AL, Vickie Crutchfield of Wichita Falls, TX, and Nathan (Cathy) Burns of Pace; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and two brothers, Robert (Jane) Burns of Wheat Ridge, CO and Earl (Elaine) Burns of Aurora, IL.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Rev. Ralph Flowers officiating.
Burial to follow in Gonzalez United Methodist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2014, at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Michael Neal, David Neal, Aaron Neal, Keith Owens, Adam Burns and Brian Burns.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.