State Appeals Court Backs Teen In Abortion Notification Case
June 8, 2014
A state appeals court has approved a request by a 17-year-old high-school honors student to receive an abortion without her parents being notified, overturning a decision of a Hillsborough County circuit judge.
The ruling by the 2nd District Court of Appeal was the second case in a week stemming from a 2004 constitutional amendment that requires parents to be notified before their minor daughters can have abortions.
The voter-approved amendment and subsequent laws created a process for minors to go to court to seek to prevent notification, a process known as receiving a “waiver.” In Tuesday’s decision, the appeals court found that the teen, identified only as Jane Doe, had met her legal burden for receiving a waiver. It said a circuit judge disregarded the teen’s testimony that she had researched the abortion procedure and risks and also apparently discounted her testimony that she had considered alternatives.
“Jane Doe is almost 18-years old and a high school honors student,” said the appeals-court opinion, written by Judge Edward LaRose and joined by Judge Douglas Wallace. “She plans to attend college in the fall. She testified that her current condition would impact adversely her future plans. She also testified that her parents were strict, controlling, and demanding. At times they acted out of spite toward her. She feared that they would disown her if notified of her pregnancy.”
But Judge Anthony Black dissented, arguing that the case should be sent back to another circuit judge. A different panel of the 2nd District Court of Appeal last week upheld a circuit judge’s decision to deny a waiver for another pregnant teen.
by The News Service of Florida
Vendors, Entertainers Needed For Twin Cities Watermelon Festival
June 8, 2014
Flomaton and Century are planning the Twin Cities First Annual Watermelon Festival. The event is planned for Saturday, June 28 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Showalter Park in Century.
The festival will include family fun, craft booths, food, entertainment and more.
Vendors and entertainers are needed. Vendors should click here for a booth application. Interested entertainers should call Kim at Century Town Hall at (850) 256-3208 or email kgodwin@centuryflorida.us.
The Twin Cities First Annual Watermelon Festival is sponsored in part by NorthEscambia.com.
Weekend Gardening: Expert Tips For The Month Of June
June 8, 2014
Here are gardening tips for the month of June from the Florida Extension Service:
Flowers
- Annuals to plant include celosia, coleus, crossandra, hollyhock, impatiens (pictured above), kalanchoe, nicotiana, ornamental pepper, portulaca, salvia, torenia, vinca and zinnia.
- Sow seeds of sunflowers. They are easy to grow if you have a sunny spot. Look for some of the new, dwarf varieties that can also be used as cut flowers.
- Remove old blooms (deadheading) to make flowers bloom longer.
- Allow the foliage on spring bulbs to grow. Do not cut it off until it turns yellow and falls over.
Trees and Shrubs
- Mature palms should receive an application of granular fertilizer. Use a special palm fertilizer that has an 8-2-12 +4Mg (magnesium) with micronutrients formulation. Apply one pound of fertilizer per 100 sq ft of canopy area or landscape area.
- Do any necessary pruning of junipers this month.
- Finish pruning the spring flowering shrubs such as azaleas, camellias, spiraeas, wisteria and forsythia by early June.
- This is the month to reproduce plants by budding.
- Check mulch around ornamental plants to be sure it’s two inches thick. Add mulch as needed to help keep weeds down and conserve water. Keep mulch one to two inches away from trunk or stem.
- Inspect maple trees, especially silver maple for infestations of maple soft scale. Look for a white substance with some black on one end. Individual maple scales are about 1/4 inch in diameter and resemble bird droppings. They occur mostly on leaves and can cause defoliation unless controlled.
- Inspect the undersides of azalea leaves for spider mites and lace bugs. If dry weather conditions exist, these insects can do some serious damage if not controlled.
- Check conifers for signs of bagworms. Call your local Extension Service for control measures.
Fruits and Nuts
- Harvest peaches, nectarines and plums as soon as they mature, before the squirrels and birds get to them
Vegetable Garden
- Side dress vegetable gardens with fertilizer containing nitrogen and potassium. A fertilizer such as a 15-0-15 can be used. Use approximately 2-3 cupfuls (1 to 1 ½ pounds) per 100 feet of row.
- Increase watering frequency and amount as tomatoes load up with fruit.
- Vegetables that can be planted outdoors include eggplant, lima beans, okra, southern peas, peppers and sweet potatoes.
- Sweet potatoes are started from plants or “draws”. Be sure to purchase only certified weevil free sweet potato plants.
- Check for the following pests and control them if necessary: tomato fruitworm, stinkbugs on vegetables and aphids on all new growth
Lawns
- Check for the lawn pests and control them if necessary: Spittlebugs in centipedegrass. They are more attracted to especially lush areas of the yard such as along septic drain fields and in areas where excessive nitrogen fertilizer has been used. Chinch bugs in St. Augustinegrass Sod webworm in all turf
- Start monitoring for mole cricket infestations and prepare for treatment.
Hurricane Sales Tax Holiday Ends Today
June 8, 2014
Florida’s nine-day Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday ends at midnight Sunday. Numerous items often purchased to prepare for hurricanes are tax free:
Qualifying Items
Selling for $10 or less:
• Reusable ice (reusable ice packs)
Selling for $20 or less:
• Any portable self-powered light source
• Battery-powered flashlights
• Battery-powered lanterns
• Gas-powered lanterns (including propane, kerosene, lamp oil, or similar fuel)
• Tiki-type torches
• Candles
Selling for $25 or less:
• Any gas or diesel fuel container (including LP gas and kerosene containers)
Selling for $30 or less:
• Batteries, including rechargeable batteries and excluding automobile and boat batteries
(listed sizes only)
• AA-cell
• C-cell
• D-cell
• 6-volt
• 9-volt
• Coolers (food-storage; nonelectrical)
• Ice chests (food-storage; nonelectrical)
• Self-contained first-aid kit (already tax exempt)
Selling for $50 or less:
• Tarpaulins (tarps)
• Visqueen, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths, and other flexible waterproof sheeting
• Ground anchor systems
• Tie-down kits
• Bungee cords
• Ratchet straps
• Radios (self-powered or battery-powered)
• Two-way radios (self-powered or battery-powered)
• Weather band radios (self-powered or battery-powered)
Selling for $750 or less:
• Portable generators that will be used to provide light, communications, or to preserve food in the event of a power outage
Note: Eligible battery-powered or gas-powered light sources and portable self-powered radios qualify for the exemption even though they may have electrical cords.
Bacon And Eggs: Food Prices Up Slightly In Survey
June 8, 2014
Higher retail prices for several food items used to prepare breakfast, including bacon, eggs and bread, among other foods, resulted in a slight increase in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s latest Semi-Annual Marketbasket Survey.
The informal survey shows the total cost of 16 food items that can be used to prepare one or more meals was $53.27, up $1.73 or about 3.5 percent compared to a survey conducted a year ago. Of the 16 items surveyed, 10 increased, five decreased and one remained the same in average price.
“Several typical breakfast items increased in price, accounting for much of the modest increase in the marketbasket,” said John Anderson, AFBF’s deputy chief economist. “The 3.5 percent increase shown by our survey tracks closely with Agriculture Department’s forecast of 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent food inflation for 2014,” he said.
Items showing retail price increases from a year ago included bacon, up 12 percent to $4.80 per pound; ground chuck, up 10 percent to $4.10 per pound; white bread, up 10 percent to $1.81 for a 20-ounce loaf; sirloin tip roast, up 9 percent to $5.03 per pound; eggs, up 8 percent to $1.98 per dozen; whole milk, up 6 percent to $3.68 per gallon; chicken breasts, up 6 percent to $3.51 per pound; flour, up 5 percent to $2.76 for a 5-pound bag; toasted oat cereal, up less than 1 percent to $2.93 for a 9-ounce box; and Russet potatoes, up less than one-half of 1 percent to $2.70 for a 5-pound bag.
These items showed modest retail price decreases: bagged salad, down 4 percent to $2.61 per pound; deli ham, down 3 percent to $5.21 per pound; apples, down 3 percent to $1.59 per pound;
vegetable oil, down 2 percent to $2.85 for a 32-ounce bottle; and orange juice, down 1 percent to $3.24 per half-gallon.
Shredded cheddar cheese remained the same in price compared to a year ago, at $4.47 per pound.
Price checks of alternative milk and egg choices not included in the overall marketbasket survey average revealed the following: 1/2 gallon regular milk, $2.46; 1/2 gallon rBST-free milk, $3.87; 1/2 gallon organic milk, $3.97; and 1 dozen “cage-free” eggs, $3.33.
The year-to-year direction of the marketbasket survey tracks closely with the federal government’s Consumer Price Index report for food at home. As retail grocery prices have increased gradually over time, the share of the average food dollar that America’s farm and ranch families receive has dropped.
“Through the mid-1970s, farmers received about one-third of consumer retail food expenditures for food eaten at home and away from home, on average. Since then, that figure has decreased steadily and is now about 16 percent, according to the Agriculture Department’s revised Food Dollar Series,” Anderson said.
Using the “food at home and away from home” percentage across-the-board, the farmer’s share of this $53.27 marketbasket would be $8.52.
According to USDA, Americans spend just under 10 percent of their disposable annual income on food, the lowest average of any country in the world.
Elizabeth Ann Fisher
June 8, 2014
Elizabeth “Ann” Fisher, 69, of Cantonment passed away on Friday, June 6, 2014. She was known as “Mimi” to her grandchildren. Mrs. Fisher was an office manager for Rocky’s Pest Control where she had worked for over 30 years. She was the heart and soul of her family.
She is preceded in death by her parents, James Melton and Ruby Sapp Charles; brothers, Melton Lavon Charles, William Edward Charles and Raymond Colan Charles; and sister, Mary Frances Charles.
She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years this September, Clark Fisher; children, Jeff Fisher and Lee Fisher; grandchildren, Jacob Fisher (Kellie) and Jessie Lee Fisher; great-grandchild, Kendal Fisher; siblings, Elaine Charles Zayatz (Frank) and Martha Jane Charles Martin (Richard); and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society or St. Jude’s Children’s Research, Memphis, TN in Ann’s memory.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 10, 2014, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 11, 2014, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Reverend Rusty Branch officiating.
Interment will follow at Pensacola Memorial Gardens.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
James Thomas “Tommy” Godwin
June 8, 2014
James Thomas “Tommy” Godwin was born May 30, 1945, in Brewton and went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 3, 2014. Tommy graduated from Flomaton High School in 1963. He joined the US Air Force after high school and served until 1968. Upon returning home, he went to work for Gulf Power Company for the next 38 years. He was a proud pawpaw, and loved his grandchildren, fishing, and Alabama football.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Kathy Godwin and his trusty sidekick, Hank; sons, Tony (Christina), Jason (Tamara) and Terry; grandchildren, Dylan, Kyle, and Kora; siblings, Faye (Barney) Williamson, Peggy Lail, Donald (Faye) Godwin and Darlene Nelson; father and mother-in-law, Marvin and Elaine Wiggins; and numerous loving family members and friends.
Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Mose and Bernice Godwin of Brewton; and his sister, Judy Burford of Axis, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the USO of Northwest Florida.
Visitation will be on Monday, June 9, 2014, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 10, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Pastor Gene Stokes will be officiating services.
Interment will be at Barrancas National Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Patricia Ann Moorer
June 8, 2014
Patricia Ann Moorer, 61, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 3, 2014. Patricia was born January 25, 1953, in Cantonment and was a graduate of J.M. Tate High School, class of 1970. She worked many years as an editorial clerk with Saufley Field and later retired.
She is survived by her two children, Sharvin (Shandra) Moorer and Kourtney (James) Walker, both of Pensacola; four granddaughters, Shanel Moorer, Destiny Moorer, Morgan Turner, and Keziah Walker, all of Pensacola; mother, Sarah Moorer of Cantonment; two brothers, David (Dorothy) Moorer of Cantonment and McEarnest (Isalean) Moorer of Compton, CA; three sisters, Joyce (David) Mallety of Fayetteville, N.C., Barbara Easley and Linda Parker both of Pensacola; and numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
A celebration of life was held Saturday, June 7, 2014, at Ward’s Temple A.F.M. Church in Cantonment, with Bishop Donice Brown, Sr. officiating.
Interment was in Holy Cross Cemetery.
Faith Chapel North Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Junior Lee Vestal
June 8, 2014
Junior Lee Vestal, 74, of Atmore, passed away June 6, 2014, in Pensacola. He was born in High Point, NC, on November 29, 1938, to the late Jonie and Bessie N. Vestal of Mocksville, NC. He served in the U. S. Navy during the Cuban Crises. He was a member of Cross Point Baptist Church.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Leo F. Vestal; grandson, Chris Berryman; brother-in-law, Jerry Suits; and his late wife, Shirley K. Vestal, all of North Carolina.
He is survived by his wife of 23 years Irma Jean Macks Vestal of Atmore; children, Patsy Jean Alverson of Atmore, Ronnie (Molly) Lee Vestal, Rhonda Vestal, all of Statesville, N.C; Ray (Londy) Himes of Flomaton; Brenda (Danny) Hill of Atmore; Shane (Brenda) Haskew of Brewton, and Jerry (Bernice) Haskew of Andalusia; siblings, Billie (Dorothy) Vestal; sister-in- law, Margaret Vestal, all of Yadkinville, NC; Wesley (Diane) Vestal of Jacksonville, NC, Betty (Tony) Upright, Mary V. Suits, all of Statesville, NC; 25 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Monday, June 9, 2014, at 11 a.m. from Cross Point Baptist Church with Bro. J.T. Guyton officiating.
Burial will follow in Serenity Gardens Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be grandsons Jason, Douglas, Jacob, Cody, Cameron, David, John, and J.T.
Visitation will be held Monday, June 9, 2014 from 10 a.m. until service time at Cross Point Baptist Church.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Wahoos, Biscuits Split Doubleheader
June 8, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos split their doubleheader with the Montgomery Biscuits on Saturday night at Riverwalk stadium in Montgomery. The Wahoos overcame a late 3-1 deficit to win the first game 4-3, before falling short behind a tremendous start from Jon Mostcot, 1-0, in the second game.
Brodie Greene led the Wahoos offense in game one by going 3-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI. Greene provided an RBI single in the top of the seventh to pull the Blue Wahoos within one, before Rey Navarro doubled home two, giving Pensacola a 4-3 lead. Justin Freeman (S, 1) slammed the door shut in the bottom of the seventh to secure the win.
Robert Stephenson (W, 3-5) started for Pensacola, he allowed 3 R/ER over 6.0 innings and walked three and struck out three to earn his third win of the year. Andrew Bellatti (L, 1-4) was charged with two of the three ninth inning runs out of the bullpen. He suffered his fourth loss of the year and his first blown save of the season.
In the second game both starting pitchers matched each other all game long. Moscot (L, 4-4) had just one blemish, despite allowing just two hits and facing only one batter over the minimum. He surrendered a solo home run to Taylor Motter, just actived before the game from the disabled list, in the fifth inning. The homer snapped string of 11 straight batters retired by the Blue Wahoos starter. He retired 17-of-19 he faced for the game.
Offensively, Pensacola was unable to mount a threat against Dylan Floro (W, 6-5). The Blue Wahoos scattered their three hits and never got a runner past second base. Floro earned his sixth win of the year. Moscot was the hard-luck loser despite allowing just two baserunners all game to go with four strikeouts.
The series continues with the fourth of five games Sunday evening. The Blue Wahoos send RHP Mikey O’Brien (2-3, 4.43) to the mound against Biscuits RHP Roberto Gomez (1-3, 6.00). First pitch is set for 5:35 from Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery.
by Tommy Thrall