AARP: Older Floridians Worried About Finances
August 20, 2014
The senior-advocacy group AARP Florida released a survey Tuesday that found widespread financial concerns among people 50 and older.
The survey of 800 voters, conducted in late June and early July, included retirees and non-retirees who were 50 and older. In all, 59 percent said their incomes were falling behind increased costs of living. That included 64 percent of non-retirees and 80 percent of people whose income was less than $30,000 a year. Also, 55 percent of the non-retirees said they have delayed or expect to delay retirement for financial reasons.
by The News Service of Florida
Century To Update Ordinances In Online, Searchable Format
August 20, 2014
The Town of Century is taking steps to make sure that all of the town’s ordinances are up to date and searchable online.
Back in 2011, the town hired the Municipal Code Corporation to publish ordinances online in a searchable format for the public. Since that time, about nine new ordinances have been passed by the town council.
The council has voted to spend $35 per ordinance to have the ordinances updated in a searchable, cross-referenced format online, plus $35 for each additional ordinance that is passed to keep the latest ordinance information available.
To view Century’s Code of Ordinances (without the updates), click here.
The Municipal Code Corporation is one of the nation’s largest municipal code publication companies. The company currently provides code services for hundreds of governments, including Escambia and Santa Rosa counties and the City of Pensacola.
Pictured: Century Town Clerk Leslie Gonzalez explains the listing of the town’s ordinances on the Municode website. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Blast Past Suns 8-4
August 20, 2014
Kyle Waldrop’s first-inning two-run home run was a sign of things to come for the Blue Wahoos on Tuesday night. It was the first of a team-record five Pensacola home runs in an 8-4 win over Jacksonville at the Baseball Ground of Jacksonville.
Waldrop hit a solo home run later in the game for his second of the contest. Wahoos starting pitcher Ben Lively got in on the act with a lead-off homer in the fifth. Leading just 5-4 in the ninth, the Wahoos belted two more round-trippers. Yorman Rodriguez led the inning off with a solo shot before Travis Mattair capped a 3-for-3 night with a two-run shot to put the game away.
Lively (W, 2-6) was solid again on the mound in his start. He battled through 6.0 innings allowing 3 R/ER on eight hits with just one walk and six strikeouts. It marked his fourth straight start allowing just one walk. He didn’t walk fewer than three in his first seven starts with Pensacola.
Lively was helped out by a stellar defensive play by Bryson Smith in fourth inning. Smith robbed what would have been a go-ahead three-run home run from Isaac Galloway. He leaped and reached over the five-foot wall in right field to make a game-saving catch, which kept the Wahoos in front.
The Suns threatened again and pulled within a run in the eighth inning before Shane Dyer (S, 17) came in to get the final four outs and earn the save for the Wahoos.
Suns starter Chipper Smith (L, 3-4) left the game with an apparent injury after facing just four batters and getting only one out. His injury hasn’t been released. Smith ended up getting hit with the loss after giving up 2 R/ER in 0.1 innings. The Blue Wahoos scored 3 R/ER off James Nygren in his 4.1 innings. They also scored 3 R/ER off Matt Ramsey in his 1.2 innings out of the bullpen.
Pensacola can even the series with a win on Wednesday night as the Blue Wahoos try to spoil the Suns postseason plans. The Wahoos will send RHP Robert Stephenson (6-8, 4.48) to the mound against Suns LHP Justin Nicolino (11-4, 2.85). First pitch is set for 5:05 p.m. CT from Bragan Field at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
by Tommy Thrall
Robert Andrew (Andy) Amerson
August 20, 2014
Andy Amerson went to meet with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 19, 2014.
He began his journey on September 21, 1961, grew up in Bratt, and graduated from Ernest Ward High School in 1979. After graduation, Andy joined the United States Air Force and served for 20 years, with dedication to his God, country and family. His military assignments included Shaw AFB, SC; Hill AFB, UT; MacDill AFB, FL; Singapore; Charleston AFB, SC; Kunsan AB; Korea, and Eglin AFB, FL. During his military service, he was recognized as a true leader and supervisor; served with distinction in many responsible positions and epitomized the best the Air Force had to offer.
Upon his retirement as a Master Sergeant in September 1999, he realized his dream to return to the place where he grew up, Bratt, where he continued his work as an aircraft electrician. Andy is known best for his passion for life and spirited personality. He is described by many as a lifelong friend, always laughing through life, patriotic, generous, never meeting a stranger, always smiling and with a hug for everyone. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and NASCAR fan. He was very active at the First Baptist Church of Bratt as the audio/visual coordinator and choir member.
Whatever Andy was passionate about, he gave it his heart and soul, making a lasting impression on everyone he encountered and affecting their hearts and lives like no other, without even realizing it.
He is survived by two children, Robert Andrew (Drew) Amerson II with wife Tiffany of Bratt and Christina (Chrissy) Olliney with husband Derek of Minot, North Dakota; his parents, James and Betty Amerson of Bratt; two brothers, Rick Amerson with wife Susan and Gary Amerson with wife Kayleen, both of Bratt; one grandchild; five nieces and nephews and many close friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 22, 2014, at First Baptist Church of Bratt, with burial to follow in Godwin Cemetery.
Family will receive friends preceding the funeral from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the church.
Pallbearers will be Rick Amerson, Gary Amerson, Steve Hanks, David Amerson, Chris Amerson, and Brian Amerson.
Petty Funeral Home in Atmore is entrusted with arrangements.
State Completes Plans For Hwy 29, Hwy 97 Traffic Light; Construction Soon
August 19, 2014
Plans have been completed, and Escambia County is set to make a deposit of just over a quarter of a million dollars to install a new traffic signal at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino.
Last October, the Escambia County Commission affirmed its support for improvements at the intersection and expressed a willingness for the county to pay for the red light at the intersection. A Florida Department of Transportation study determined the intersection did meet the criteria for the light, with an agreement in place that FDOT would design and construct the upgrades with Escambia County paying for the construction.
FDOT has completed the design phase and determined that Escambia County’s estimated cost for construction will be an estimated $265,400 for mast arms and signals at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97. The Escambia County Commission is expected to approve payment at their Thursday meeting, with the payment to be made within 14 days.
According to District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry’s office, construction is anticipated to begin in late September or early October with a completion date by the end of the year.
A redesign of the Crabtree Church Road intersection with Highway 97, which is just feet from Highway 29, also also expected to take place as separate project.
Pictured: Traffic crashes at the Highway 29 and Highway 97 intersection in Molino. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Heat Index, Afternoon Temps Climb
August 19, 2014
Temperatures will be on the rise for the rest of the week, but the heat index will be the big story the next few days. Heat indices of 103-108 are forecast Tuesday through Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tuesday Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Wednesday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.
- Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Thursday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
- Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Friday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
- Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Saturday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96.
- Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
- Sunday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95.
- Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.
- Monday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95.
Woman Charged With Abusing Disabled Elderly Roommate
August 19, 2014
A Cantonment woman has been charged with abusing her disabled elderly roommate.
The roommate told Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies that Kelly Colleen Lister has been drinking all day and broke several things inside their house before hitting her in the face. The victim told deputies she is mentally disabled and cannot move without the aid of a walker or wheelchair. She said Lister had knocked her off a couch.
An independent witness at the home confirmed the alleged abuse to deputies, according to an arrest report, and the victim had obvious physical injuries.
When deputies ordered Lister to stand up from a couch, she instead grabbed a bottle of liquor and began to drink it, and she pulled away from deputies trying to place her under arrest, the ECSO report states.
Lister, 49, was charged with abuse of a disabled elderly person without great bodily harm and resisting arrest without violence.
Murzin To Be Interviewed For PSC Job August 28
August 19, 2014
A state panel is expected to nominate candidates for two spots on the Florida Public Service Commission after conducting interviews August 28 in Miami.
The Florida Public Service Commission Nominating Council last month chose 16 applicants to interview for the positions, including PSC member Julie Brown and former state Rep. Dave Murzin, R-Pensacola.
The nominations will go to Gov. Rick Scott, who will make the two appointments to four-year terms on the utility-regulatory commission. The current terms of Brown and Commissioner Eduardo Balbis will expire in January. While Brown is seeking reappointment, Balbis decided against applying for another term.
The August 28 meeting will start at 10 a.m. at Miami International Airport Hotel, according to a notice issued Monday.
by The News Service Of Florida
Students Head Back To Class (With Two Photo Galleries)
August 19, 2014
Monday was the first day of school across the area, with tens of thousands of students heading back to class.
We asked NorthEscambia.com readers to submit their back to school photos.
For a photo gallery, click here.
For a second photo gallery, click here.
We apologize, but due to a tremendous response, we were unable to publish all photos, and we are unable to add additional photos to the galleries.
Pictured top: In this “fun” photo, Molino Park Elementary School second grader puts up a first day of school “fight” at her front door Monday morning. Pictured inset: Mia heads off to second grade at Byrneville Elementary School. Pictured below: Benji and Jamie, kindergarten; London, first grade; and Sydney and Jada, Pre-K — all attend Bratt Elementary. Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
ThunderRun Racing Boat On Display Wednesday In Cantonment
August 19, 2014
There’s a big event planned for Wednesday in Cantonment for racing fans.
The Stihl offshore racing boat US-1 will be on display Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at A-1 Small Engines in Cantonment.
A free lunch will be available from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., and prizes will be given away including the winner’s choice of a Stihl blower or a Stihl trimmer plus a 25 quart Engel cooler.
A-1 Accessories and A-1 Small Engines is located at 700 South Highway 29 in Cantonment.
The inaugural ThunderRun Super Boat Grand Prix will be held Sunday, August 24 in downtown Pensacola. Sunday’s races will start at 1 p.m. and 3 pm. with Plaza de Luna and Maritime Park designated as prime viewing areas.