Blue Angels Change NAS Pensacola Practice Times
March 11, 2014
The Blue Angels are changing their Tuesday and Wednesday weekly practice demonstration times onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola (NASP) for the 2014 air show season. The scheduled practice demonstrations will now begin at 11:30 a.m. onboard the air station.
This change more closely matches the time the Blue Angels typically perform at air shows. The later practice time will also help alleviate some of the traffic arriving onboard the base during the busy morning commute.
The Blue Angel pilots will be at the National Naval Aviation Museum Wednesdays immediately following the practice demonstration to meet the public and sign autographs.
Public viewing of the Blue Angel practice demonstrations is available at the designated seating area behind the museum.
Pictured: The Blue Angels practice at NAS Pensacola last year. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Jacob “Cob” Lisenby
March 11, 2014
Mr. Jacob “Cob” Lisenby, 19, passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2014, in Cantonment.
Mr. Lisenby was a native and lifelong resident of Atmore. Mr. Lisenby graduated from the Class of 2012 at Northview High School and he was an employee of Rowland’s Tires of Atmore. He was an awesome friend, loved everyone and loved to work on vehicles. He attended the First Baptist Church.
His grandparents, Harvey and Adell Lisenby, precedee him in death.
He is survived by his father and stepmother, Dale & Missy Lisenby of Brewton; mother and stepfather, Angie and Marlin Gunn of Atmore; one brother, Jeremy (Monica) Lisenby of Atmore; one nephew, Lane Lisenby of Atmore; two stepbrothers; four stepsisters; grandparents, Leon and Rose Langley of Atmore; very special persons, Christopher and Leigh Ann Rowland; a number of aunts, uncles, cousins and host of friends.
Funeral services will be Thursday, March 13, 2014, at 10 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Gene Pickern officiating. Burial will follow at the Oak Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Chase Reid, Josh Hammond, James Hitchcock, Brian Rolin, Brandon Denney and Seth Picheo.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 12, 2014, from 6-9 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home in Atmore.
The family requests that everyone dress casual for the visitation and the funeral.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Senate Backs Tax Holiday Smaller Than Scott Wants
March 11, 2014
Senators started moving forward Monday with a sales-tax holiday for back-to-school shoppers, but the proposal is a week shorter than requested by Gov. Rick Scott.
The sponsor of the bill, however, hasn’t closed the book on extending the proposed discount timeframe from three days to 10 days.
The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee on Monday unanimously supported the measure (SB 792) by Sen. Anitere Flores that would lift sales taxes on clothes, school supplies and electronics for three days at the start of August.
The Miami Republican said a big factor in the eventual length of the sales-tax holiday period will be updated revenue estimates Wednesday from state economists.
“I’m hopeful that there is going to be some more money for us to be able to invest in this,” Flores said after the committee meeting. “To me, the 10 days (for a sales-tax holiday) is more important because the 10 days encompasses two weekends.”
In December, the state economists, formally known as the Revenue Estimating Conference, projected lawmakers would have a surplus of about $1 billion to play with as they craft a spending plan for the next budget year.
Scott later proposed a 10-day holiday period that his office estimated would save taxpayers about $60 million.
The Revenue Estimating Conference projected a 3-day school sales-tax holiday would reduce state and local government revenue by $39 million.
The economic estimate factored in individual pieces of clothing worth up to $100 being sales-tax free.
Scott in his sales-tax holiday request asked for the clothing discount to be $100 or less.
Under Flores’ bill, during the discount period, no sales tax would be collected on purchases of clothing that costs $75 or less, school supplies that cost $15 or less, and personal computers and related accessories for non-commercial use that costs $750 or less.
Flores said the clothing total will also depend upon the revenue projection.
The House version (HB 1015) sponsored by Rep. Larry Ahern, R-Seminole, includes a 10-day tax-free period starting Aug. 1. It would give a tax break on clothes that cost $75 or less.
Flores’ proposal must still get through the Senate Finance and Tax Subcommittee and the Appropriations Committee.
Macy’s, Associated Industries of Florida and the Florida Retail Federation expressed their support for the Senate bill on Monday. Retailers are expected to offer additional deals to highlight the discount period and draw people to buy items that will continue to be taxed.
The back-to-school tax holiday has ranged from three to nine days since lawmakers introduced it in 1998. The discount wasn’t provided during the recession in 2008 and 2009 and has been set at three-days the past four years.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Jay Upends Northview’s Varsity; Northview’s JV Downs Jay
March 11, 2014
The Northview Chiefs and the Jay Royals split a couple of games Monday in Bratt.
The junior varsity Chiefs defeated the JV Royals 7-2, while the varsity Chiefs lost to Jay 2-1.
In varsity action, Aaron McDonald was 1-2, Branon Freeman was 1-3 and RJ Pritchett was 1-3 with a double and an RBI for Northview. For Jay, Dalton Edwards was 3-3 with 2 RBIs, A.J. Nash was 1-3 and Steven Archer 1-3. Dalton Edwards pitched seven for the Jay win, allowing one run, four hits, one error and striking out 10. Brannon Freeman took the loss for the Chiefs, pitching five while allowing two runs an five hits.
Northview will travel to Holmes County Tuesday with the JV playing at 4:00 and the varsity at 6:00. The varsity Jay Royals will host T.R. Miller at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Ramona Preston, click to enlarge
Controversy Emerges Over Allowing Guns In Schools
March 11, 2014
Military veterans or retired law-enforcement officers with concealed weapons permits and special training could be designated to bring guns into elementary, middle and high schools under a proposal moving through the Florida Legislature.
The Senate Criminal Justice Committee approved the controversial proposal (SB 968) by a 5-2 vote on Monday over the objections of the Florida School Boards Association and members of the public, many of whom had participated in a march earlier in the day led by civil-rights leader Al Sharpton. The group was protesting the state’s “stand your ground” law. Florida parent groups and the state teachers’ union also oppose the measure.
The measure is similar to one pushed by the National Rifle Association in the aftermath of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. Adam Lanza fatally shot 20 students and six school staff.
Under the bill, principals and school superintendents could appoint staff members or volunteers who are military veterans with honorable discharges, active military or retired law enforcement officials as gun-toting “designees.” They would be required to carry concealed weapons with them at all times on school property. The designees would have to undergo 40 hours of school-safety training and an additional 12 hours of special training annually, comprised of eight hours of active shooter training and four hours of firearm-proficiency training.
The measure is intended to prevent another Sandy Hook or Columbine in Florida and would be optional, said bill sponsor Alan Hays, R-Umatilla.
“Part of our tactics here is to not let those perpetrators of evil, for them to think there’s no weapons at a school so I can go in there and not have any resistance. They don’t know that there are going to be weapons there but neither do they know that there are not,” Hays said.
But Florida School Boards Association Executive Director Wayne Blanton said that many schools already have school resource officers, who are active law-enforcement officers, and that the goal is to have such an officer in each school.
“Uniformed, trained, police officers in every school… That’s what we really need,” Blanton said. “We do not need teachers, or in this case, volunteers, in our schools, carrying weapons.”
The proposal now leaves decisions about whether to have an armed “designee” up to school principals. Hays said he would amend the measure to allow school boards to decide whether they want such a program, instead of leaving it up to principals.
by Dara Kim, The News Service of Florida
Sherri Carter Named Bratt Elementary Teacher Of The Year
March 11, 2014
Third grade teacher Sherri Mooney Carter was named Teacher of the Year at Bratt Elementary School.
Carter has been teaching for 18 years – her first eight years as a kindergarten teacher at Century Elementary and her last 10 years at Bratt. She received her bachelor degree from the University of West Florida and earned a master’s degree from Troy State University.
Carter said she loves teaching and working with students and parents.
She was honored at the Golden Apple Awards reception recently at New World Landing in Pensacola.
Softball Wins For Tate, Northview
March 11, 2014
The Tate Lady Aggies (10-1 , 5-0) continued their winning ways Monday with an 11-1 win over Fort Walton Beach. Tori Perkins hit a home run for the Lady Aggies. Tate Hitters: Casey McCrackin 2-3, R, 2 RBIs, 2 2B; Kaylen Rowell 1-2, 2B; Rachel Dunsford 2-4, R, 2B; Tori Perkins 1-3, R, 3 RBIs, HR; Bridget Dall 1-3, 2 R, RBI, 2B; Brooke Howe 1-3, R, 4 RBIs, 2B.
The Aggies will host Crestview Thursday at 6:30.
The Northview High School Chief’s varsity softball team defeated Freeport Monday, 9-1. A junior varsity game was scheduled, but Freeport does not currently have enough JV players for a team due to injuries.
Lt. Tommie Jones Owen
March 11, 2014
Lt. Owen is preceded in death by his son Curtis and is survived by his best friend and wife of 22 years, Sarah, his children and grandchildren, both given an chosen, Donald Owen, Cocoa, FL, Brenda Owen, California, Beverly Emmons, Pensacola, FL, Randal Smith (Ginjer), Molino, FL, Lisa Bauer (Mike), Cantonment, FL, Brittany Marie, Brittany Nicole, Mallory, Tori, Matthew, Bailee, Rilee and Jayme and great-grandchild, Destiny.
Lt. Owen served in ports around the world as well as state side during his 22 year Navy career. He was employed by civil service at Corry Station after his retirement from the Navy. As a civilian, Lt. Owen traveled around the US until he settled in Molino, FL, where he became an active member of Highland Baptist Church in service to his Lord, church and community.
Tommie worked as a mentor in the Escambia School System until his health no longer allowed. During this time, Tommie never failed to present his Lord to the children in his care. He served as a representative to the Florida Baptist Children’s Home and was supportive of the Home’s endeavors.
Tommie loved the outdoors. He continually found projects to make our home and yard beautiful. Tommie adored his wife, Sarah, always bringing coffee to her in the mornings before work and meeting her at the door in the afternoons, always with a smile. Tommie made many trips to her work place to surprise her with flowers. Tommie was kind and thoughtful and never forgot to show his love. Tommie received love as freely as he gave it. Tommie gave 100% to whatever he became involved in. He believed if it was worth doing, it was worth doing right and to your best ability.
Our marriage was a testimony of God’s love, grace, mercy an yes, His sense of humor, best described as he kept me anchored and I gave him wings.
Tommie loved his Lord, his country, and his family. He was loved by all who knew him for his gentle spirit, but his firm demonstration of his beliefs.
“My precious Tommie, I firmly promise you, I will meet you in the morning by the river on the banks of the evergreen shore.” Love, Sarah
Visitation will be Wednesday, March 12, 2014 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Funeral services will be Thursday, March 13, 2014 at 10:00 am at Highland Baptist Church with Brother Brian Calhoun officiating. Burial will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Covennat Hospice, Florida Baptist Children’s Home or the Highland Baptist Church Bus Fund.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 Hwy 29 South, Cantonment is in charge of arrangements.
Beryl Elizabeth Dunn Robinson
March 11, 2014
Beryl Elizabeth Dunn Robinson, 84 of Atmore, went to be with the Lord and her other loved ones Saturday, March 8, 2014, at Extendicare Health and Rehabilitation Center in Dothan, AL.
Beryl was born June 28, 1929, in Baldwin County, AL, to the late Clyde and Lizzie Dunn.
She was preceded in death by husband Marshall Robinson; sister Clydine Waltman; and brothers Mack, Jack, and Malvin Dunn.
Survivors include son Ron (Rose) Cooper of Dothan; daughter Faye (Doug) Owens of Hilliard, OH; grand-daughters Debbie Bennett, Sharilyn Owens, and Robin Braswell; and seven great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Friday, March 14, 2014, at 10 a.m. at Brooks Memorial Baptist Church in Atmore. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday evening, March 13,2014, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Brooks Memorial Baptist Church Building Fund or to a charity of your choice.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore is in charge of arrangements.
Rain Possible For Tuesday
March 10, 2014
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light after midnight.
- Tuesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Tuesday Night: A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 57. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
- Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. West wind 5 to 15 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 33. North wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
- Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 58. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 36. North wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.
- Friday: Sunny, with a high near 67. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
- Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. South wind around 5 mph.
- Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 70.
- Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.
- Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71.
- Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 51.
- Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71.