Sample Ballots Mailed To Escambia Voters
August 2, 2014
Sample ballots for for the August 26 primary election were mailed to Escambia County voters this week. The sample ballot includes a ballot image, the voter’s polling location and information on early voting, absentee voting, and voting on Election Day. A sample ballot is also available at EscambiaVotes.com.
Voters have three different ways to cast their ballot:
- By Mail: Voters may vote by mail using an absentee ballot, which can be requested through the online form at EscambiaVotes.com, or by contacting the Supervisor of Elections by mail, phone (850-595-3900), e-mail (absentee@escambiavotes.com), or fax (850-595-3914). Requests must include the voter’s date of birth and the address, and must be received no later than Wednesday, August 20. Voted ballots must be received in the Elections Office no later than 7:00 p.m. on Election Day and may not be returned to a polling location. Absentee voters may track the status of their ballot at EscambiaVotes.com by clicking Track My Ballot.
- Early Voting: Early voting will be available Saturday, August 16 through Saturday, August 23 from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Early voters will cast paper ballots through our digital scanners. Two new locations have been added, giving voters seven sites from which to choose:
- Supervisor of Elections Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor
- Main Library, 239 Spring Street
- Molino Branch Library, 6450-A Highway 95A, Molino
- Genealogy Branch Library, 5740 B, 9th Avenue
- Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway
- Pensacola Interstate Fair, 6655 Mobile Highway
- Escambia County Extension, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment
- At Your Precinct: The third option for voters is to cast a paper ballot at their precinct on Election Day, August 26, using our digital scanners. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until
7:00 p.m. An AutoMARK ballot marking device is also available at each polling place and early voting site for persons with disabilities.
Voters are reminded to bring their photo and signature ID with them to the polls, and are encouraged to contact the Elections Office by phone or e-mail with any questions.
Report: Crime On The Decline In Escambia County
August 2, 2014
The latest numbers released Friday by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office show a downward trend in the number of crimes in the county.
The semi-annual Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) statistics for the first half of 2014indicate the number of violent crimes in Escambia County decreased by 16.2 percent with the total index crimes down 11.4 percent compared to the first half of 2013. Other positive trends included a reduction in property crimes by10 percent. Most significantly, instances of robbery fell by nearly 40 percent.
Homicides were down 22 percent from nine in the first half of 2013 to seven in the first half of 2014. Forcible sex offenses were down 15 percent, while aggravated assault/battery crimes dropped 8.6 percent. Burglaries dropped 12.9 percent, larcenies were down about 9 percent and motor vehicle thefts dropped about 20 percent.
The number of arrests were also down, adults by 16.1 percent and juveniles by 21.5 percent.
The Escambia Count Sheriff’s Office submits the semi-annual crime stats to to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Confirmed In Escambia Horse
August 2, 2014
An unimmunized horse in Escambia County was recently euthanized because it contracted the mosquito-borne Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
According to the Escambia County Department of Health, unimmunized horses throughout the county are at risk for this disease. Horse owners are encouraged to keep current all equine immunizations for mosquito-borne diseases.
To protect horses from the effects of this disease, vaccinations should be current and delivered on a frequency of two times each year, every six months in consultation with a local veterinary professional. In horses, the clinical presentation of EEE includes the following: apprehension, depression, elevated temperature, head shaking, muscle twitching, incoordination, weakness of hind limbs, inability to stand, aimless wandering, head pressing and listlessness.
EEE was first recognized in Escambia County, Florida in 1937.
While EEE rarely infects humans, transmission of the virus to humans is possible from the bite of an infected mosquito. Human signs and symptoms of EEE infection can include sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting. The illness may then progress into disorientation, seizures, and coma. Severe cases of EEE infection in humans can lead to brain damage or death. Persons experiencing symptoms of a mosquito-borne disease should seek immediate medical care.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
August 2, 2014
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the week ending July 31.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Hutchinson was patrolling the Escambia River when he observed a boat beached on a sandbar with three people sitting in it. As he approached them, he observed one of the men make a quick movement as though he was hiding something. After receiving consent to search, Officer Hutchinson located a drug pipe in a tackle box. One of the men stated that he used to smoke meth and he kept the pipe in case he ever wanted to again. Officer Hutchinson then located a bag of cannabis which the other man stated that he brought. He issued notices to appear to the two men for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis.
Officers responded to a call regarding a drifting PWC near the Garcon Point Bridge. The US Coast Guard (USCG) and local fire and rescue personnel also responded. The owners of the PWC reported that three girls left on the PWC and were missing. After a quick search, the girls were located between Gulf Breeze and Pensacola by Midway Fire and Rescue as the strong current had swept them away from land and towards the Three Mile Bridge. The girls hit a wave in the rough bay and fell off of the PWC. The strong winds kept them from reaching the PWC, but they were wearing PFDs and stayed together for several hours until they were rescued.
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.
Weekend Gardening: August To Do List
August 2, 2014
Here are gardening tips for the month of August from the UF/IFAS Extension program:
What to Plant
- Bedding Plants: The hottest days of summer limit planting now to heat tolerant vinca, gaillardia, bulbine, and coleus.
- Bulbs:Aztec lily, butterfly lily, walking iris, and spider lily can be planted any time of the year, even late summer.
- Herbs: Herbs that can be planted from plants (not seeds) include bay laurel, ginger,Mexican tarragon, and rosemary.
- Vegetables: This month starts the fall planting season. Many cool season crops can be planted now, including a final crop of warm-season vegetables such as pepper. Tomato can be planted for the fall garden.
- Lawn problems: Damaged areas can be the result of insects, disease, or irrigation problems. Be sure to determine the cause so the proper remedy is used. Use a sharp mower blade and only remove 1/3 of grass blade to reduce stress on the lawn.
- Palms: If older fronds are yellowing, you may have a magnesium or potassium deficiency. Apply an appropriate palm fertilizer.
- Poinsettias: Pinch back poinsettias and mums before the end of the month to allow time for buds to form for winter bloom.
- Ornamental Plants: Rapid growth and leaching rains may result in nutrient deficiencies in some plants. Fertilize those plants that show signs of deficiencies.
- Bedding Plants: Remove spent blooms, cut back, and fertilize flowering annuals and perennials to extend the bloom season into the fall months.
- Adjust irrigation based on rainfall.
- Deadhead flowers to encourage new blooms.
- Monitor the garden for insects and disease.
- Plant trees, shrubs, and perennials and water until established.
Smokies Walk Off Over Wahoos 2-1 In 10 Innings
August 2, 2014
The Tennessee Smokies scored in the bottom of the 10th inning to break a 1-1 tie for a 2-1 win over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos on Friday night at Smokies Park. Christian Villanueva, who broke up last night’s no-hit bid, singled home Albert Almora for the winning run evening the series at a game apiece.
Pace High grad, Addison Russell, got the scoring started with a solo home run in the bottom of the first inning. That would be the only Smokies run until the 10th, it was also Russell’s first hit of the series. Pensacola got even with a two-out RBI single from Ross Perez in the top of the third inning. Perez now has five RBI over the last two games.
Daniel Corcino started for the Blue Wahoos and pitched well without recording a decision. The right-hander retired eight straight after Russell’s first inning home run. He allowed just the 1 R/ER over 6.0 innings with three strikeouts, a walk and only four hits. He dueled most of the night with Smokies starter Corey Black. He also allowed just 1 R/ER over 6.0 innings with seven strikeouts and two walks.
Offensively, the Wahoos had three hitters with multi-hit games. Perez, Brodie Greene and Juan Duran all finished 2-for-4.
The Smokies loaded the bases on three walks in the seventh inning, but Ben Klimesh got the final out of the inning before working a scoreless eighth inning. After working a perfect ninth inning, James Walczak allowed the winning run in the 10th to suffer the loss. Smokies reliever Frank Batista picked up the win after one scoreless inning in the top of the 10th.
Pensacola will turn to RHP Jon Moscot on Saturday night. The Smokies haven’t named a starter yet for the middle game of the series. First pitch is set for 5:15 p.m. CT from Smokies Park.
by Tommy Thralll
Lottie Lee McGhee Daughtry Duerst
August 2, 2014
Mrs. Lottie Lee “McGhee” Daughtry Duerst, 82, passed away August 1, 2014, in Poarch.
Lottie was born in Poarch on September 23, 1931. She was a former resident of Mobile and a resident of Atmore for the past 15 years. Lottie was a proud member of the Poarch community where she spent most of her life nurturing her family traditions and native heritage. She was a proud member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. She was preceded in death by her father, Luther McGhee; mother, Girlie Rolin; son, Autrey Delane Daughtry; brother, Richard McGhee; and sisters, Leola Manac, Bessie O’Barr, and Linda Gail Parker.
Lottie is survived by two brothers, Buford Rolin and William Rolin; four daughters, Shelia (Joe) Lowe, Glenda McCaw, and Sarah Rone all of Poarch and Annette Roberts of Daphne; two sons, Andy Wayne Daughtry and William Todd Daughtry both of Poarch; 12 grandchildren, Valerie Daughtry Fuller, Ashley Lowe, Stacey Lowe, Tracey Lowe, Brandon Manac, Lindsey Manac, Misty Manac, Jim Roberts, Amanda Roberts, Shane Daughtry, Melissa Loper, and Leslie Albritton and 23 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 5, 2014, at 2 p.m. from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Ray Ward officiating.
Burial will follow in Judson Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 5, 2014, from 12 p.m. until service time from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Joel Reed, Rickey Reed, Lewis Reed, Jamie Yates, Terry Pugh, Charles O’Barr and Johnathan O’Barr.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Back To School Tax Holiday Underway In Florida, Alabama
August 1, 2014
It’s a back to school tax free weekend in Florida and across most of Alabama. Here’s a look at what’s tax free in each state:
Florida’s back to school sales tax holiday is now underway and continues through midnight Sunday. The sales tax holiday allows families to save on items the need to gear up for the school year, including school supplies, clothing and some electronics.
The back to school tax holiday includes clothes, backpacks, shoes and wallets up to $100, specified school supplies under $15 each, and the first $750 of a personal computer or computer-related accessories.
For a complete Florida tax free list, click here.
Alabama’s back to school sales tax holiday is also underway. The holiday offers no tax on certain school supplies, computers and clothing.
However, not every city and town participates. Escambia County (Ala.), Atmore and East Brewton will not participate. Baldwin County and its cities will take part.
For a complete Alabama tax free list, click here.
Free School Supplies Available Saturday In Century
August 1, 2014
Free school supplies will be distributed Saturday in Century.
The supplies will be distributed in memory of Dedria Robinson, who was killed in 2005 in an automobile accident at age 11. Organizers of the “Dedria’s Gift” program said they have enough school supplies for about 300 children from Escambia County in both Florida and Alabama.
The giveaway begins at 9 a.m. Saturday in the Nadine McCaw Park (Roadside Park) on North Century Boulevard and continues until the school supplies are gone.
Photos: Summer Reading (And Music) At The Century Library
August 1, 2014
The weekly Summer Reading Program continued Thursday at the Century Branch Library. Children and teens 6-12 have participated this summer in the West Florida Public Library program at branches throughout the county.
Thursday, children at the Century Branch Library had a chance to hear a music-related story and try out various instruments.
Pictured: The Summer Reading Program Thursday afternoon at the Century Branch Library. NorthEscambia.com photos by Bethany Reynolds, click to enlarge.
