Mira Awards Honor Escambia’s Most Creative High School Seniors
March 28, 2014
Seventy of Escambia County’s most creative high school seniors were honored Thursday night during the 2014 Mira Creative Arts Awards Banquet at New World Landing.
Mira Creative Arts Awards recipients were nominated for the award by their high school teachers and will receive commemorative engraved medallions as well as Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Jeff Miller.
Northview High School
- Kasie Braun, Graphic Arts
- Taylor Brook, Instrumental Music
- Hunter Dettling, Instrumental Music
- Morgan Digmon, Dance
- Anna Donald, Theatre
- Anna Fischer, Dance/Journalism
- Cory Hester, Instrumental Music
- Justin King, Journalism
- Chloe Leonard, Dance
- Victoria Wright, Graphic Arts
Tate High School
- Eion Blanchard, Vocal Music
- Jacob Charles, Instrumental Music
- Raylee Cowart, Journalism
- Adrianna Cutaio, Drama
- Arielle Foster, Creative Arts
- Graham Gardner, Instrumental Music
- Jack Gonzalez, Graphic Arts
- Noah Heintz, Instrumental Music
- Justin Ritchie, Visual Arts
- Chance Taylor Sturup, Debate
West Florida High School
- Garrett Brooks, Theatre
- Jasmine Keiarra Clark, Theatre
- Dominic Jacob Estares, Instrumental Music
- Teal Garth, Mulitmedia
- Lindsey Briana Granger, Visual Arts
- Miller Hawkins, Journalism
- Tabbitha Bree Kirby Manzanet, Visual Arts
- Scooter Nix, Journalism
- Shelby Spiegelhalter, Multimedia
- Krista Leigh Weaver, Instrumental Music
Escambia High School
- Danica Rose AlinsodApin, Journalism
- Cody Edward Blum, Digital Media
- Zachary Callahan, Instrumental Music
- Christopher Epps, Culinary Arts
- Emily Hausner, Theatre
- Katie Winters, Visual Arts
- Shelby Leclaire, Vocal Music
- Ryan Murphy, Instrumental Music
- Taylor Renae Walden, Visual Arts
- Ashton Williams, Instrumental Music
Pensacola High School
- Mary Catherine Bond, Visual Arts
- Freda Britton, Color Guard
- Keegan Jo Heye, Drama
- Pauline Lara, Drama
- Kathryn Maher, Photography
- Clara Noelle Ortega, Visual Arts
- Victoria Patton, Drama
- Cyrus Barron Player, Instrumental Music
- Anne Marie Tamburro, Instrumental Music
- Krista Woods, Instrumental Music
Pine Forest High School
- Diamond Brundidge, Vocal Music
- Megan Krist, Digital Production
- Katelyn Newsom, Journalism
- Rachael Nipple, Theatre
- Brittani Osborn, Yearbook
- Leonardo Reeves-Casas, Industrial Technology
- Rosa Reeves-Casas, Visual Arts
- Desjuan Waiters, Culinary Arts
- Asia Walker, Fashion Design
- Savannah Wright, Instrumental Music
Washington High School
- Savannah Rae Caton, Visual Arts
- Sarah Emily Crawford, Instrumental Music
- Marcus Gillard, Instrumental Music
- Mark Hibyan, Instrumental Music
- Alyx Levesque, Drama
- Colleen Mason, Visual Arts
- Meagan McNease, Instrumental/Vocal Music
- James Safko, Visual Arts
- Kayla Simoné Townsend, Vocal Music
- Carla Villafane, Vocal Music
In 1987, a group of teachers at J. M. Tate High School created the Mira Awards to recognize talented and creative students in the arts and sciences. The following year, the committee approached the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation to bring the awards under its umbrella and to initiate county-wide student participation each year in the areas of writing, performing and visual arts, and other creative disciplines. The term “Mira” is Latin for the name of the brightest star in the constellation Cetus.
Pictured top: Northview High School Mira winners (L-R) Morgan Digmon, Anna Donald, Victoria Wright, Taylor Brook, Chloe Leonard, Anna Fischer, Justin King, Hunter Dettling and Cory Hester. Submitted photo by Connie Brook for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
State Drops Election Year Voter Purge
March 28, 2014
In an election-year turnaround, Gov. Rick Scott’s administration is dropping a problematic voter purge aimed at keeping non-U.S. citizens from casting ballots.
In the fall, Secretary of State Ken Detzner held five forums with supervisors of elections and the public seeking input on what he called “Project Integrity,” a revamped process in which voter registration records were to be matched with a federal database to ensure that prospective voters were eligible to participate in elections.
But on Thursday, Detzner sent supervisors a memo saying he is scrapping the scrub.
Detzner blamed changes to the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Eligibility, or SAVE, database, for his decision.
“In early February, we received notice that the Department of Homeland Security’s SAVE program would be undergoing a multi-phase redesign. On February 23, Phase One was officially launched and included, at a minimum, a revised screen design, new fields and features,” Detzner wrote to the supervisors.
“These changes will enhance and improve the credibility and reliability of the potential ineligible matches, but DHS anticipates Phase Two will not be complete until 2015. For these reasons, with your input, I have decided to postpone implementing Project Integrity until the Federal SAVE Program Phase Two is completed,” he wrote in a memo issued after a conference call with the supervisors.
Many supervisors — the only officials who have the authority to remove voters from the rolls — were wary of the new process despite assurances from Detzner that it would include documentation that targeted voters who were ineligible to vote.
“I politely informed the secretary that Florida could not afford to repeat what happened in 2012,” Pasco County elections supervisor Brian Corley told The News Service of Florida after Thursday’s call with Detzner. “If there were concerns about it being done right and the timing of it, then I was all for delaying for that reason.”
The 2012 voter purge, which Corley called “an embarrassment,” was the brainchild of Scott, who is running for re-election this fall.
But supervisors abandoned the 2012 effort after discovering that the lists of voters flagged by Detzner’s office as potential non-citizens were riddled with errors.
Of the 2,600 targeted voters, 85 were found to be ineligible to vote and dropped from the rolls. After the U.S. Department of Justice sued Scott over the purge, Scott took the Obama administration to court to get access to the database. A deal between the state and the Department of Homeland Security was struck last year.
Critics of the purge accused Scott of trying to prevent minorities in Florida — a critical swing state — from voting in the 2012 presidential election because many of the voters on the list had Hispanic-sounding last names. Hispanics are considered a crucial voting bloc in the upcoming governor’s race.
Detzner’s announcement comes as Scott’s campaign is embroiled in a drama related to former finance chairman Mike Fernandez’s resignation from the team. Fernandez complained, in part, about campaign officials ignoring his advice about how to deal with Hispanics.
Fernandez, a billionaire who raised more than $30 million for the governor’s re-election effort, quit the team last week. In a series of internal e-mails leaked to The Miami Herald and Politico, Fernandez, who is Cuban, criticized the campaign for being insensitive to Hispanics. The Herald reported that Fernandez complained about two campaign aides making jokes in a Hispanic accent while en route to a Mexican restaurant.
Scott’s campaign manager Melissa Sellers said that Fernandez was not in the van when the reported comments were made.
“If something was said in an accent, no one remembers what it was. We are a diverse organization and we do not tolerate inappropriate comments,” Sellers said in an e-mail.
Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Allison Tant accused Scott’s team of an attempt at “damage control” with the purge.
“Now, embroiled in a scandal involving racist jokes targeting Hispanics, the governor suddenly has made (an) about-face and suspends the latest attempt to kick voters off of the voting rolls — attempts that have overwhelmingly targeted Hispanics in the past. It is now clear to all that the original reasons given for the voter purge (were) mere pretexts to intimidate voters Rick Scott would frankly rather not vote,” Tant said in a statement. “While this move is clearly an act of damage-control from a campaign in chaos, this represents a major victory for the people of Florida who have suffered so many voter suppression efforts under the Rick Scott administration.”
by Dara Kim, The News Service of Florida
Showers And Storms Today, Tonight
March 28, 2014
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Friday Showers and thunderstorms. High near 71. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
- Friday Night Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
- Saturday Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 44. North wind 10 to 15 mph.
- Sunday Sunny, with a high near 74. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 45. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight.
- Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
- Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
- Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.
- Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.
- Wednesday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79.
- Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.
- Thursday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80.
Senate Panel Appoves Raising Florida’s Speed Limits
March 28, 2014
As the speed limit is increased from 55 to 60 mph Friday on I-10 from Davis Highway to west of Highway 29 in Escambia County, a measure that could raise the speed limits by 5 mph Florida roads zoomed through its final Senate stop.
With a 15-4 vote, the panel approved the measure (SB 392) that directs the state Department of Transportation to determine the safe minimum and maximum speed limits on all divided highways that have at least four lanes.
Supporters of the bill say many drivers are already going faster than the current top rate of 70 mph. But critics, including Negron, say increasing speeds could lead to more accidents.
Negron, R-Stuart, contends that government-imposed speed limits have helped decrease highway injuries and fatalities because studies show that drivers have a greater likelihood of crashing at higher speeds.
“I think that once you start getting into the 80s and 90s that the opportunity for serious injury and death go up significantly,” said Negron, who noted that many motorists already drive nine to 10 mph above the posted limit.
The bill could eventually allow state transportation officials to increase speed limits on Florida’s “limited access highways” to 75 mph and raise the maximum posted limits on divided four-lane highways in sparsely populated rural areas from 65 mph to 70 mph. The transportation department could hike speeds to 60 mph on other roads they deem safe. And the department would also have the authority to set minimum speeds on certain highways.
“What’s important is that people travel at the same speeds,” Sen. Jeff Clemens, a Lake Worth Democrat and co-sponsor of the bill, said after the meeting. “If you have people who are able to travel at a much higher speed, traveling with people who are traveling at a much lower speed, that’s what’s actually creating a much more dangerous situation on our highways.”
Florida’s highways have had a 70 mph maximum since 1996, the last time the speed limit was reviewed.
In other states, higher speed limits have resulted in more deaths from speeding accidents because drivers’ reaction times are reduced and the severity of injuries is intensified, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The Senate proposal is now geared up for a full vote, but the House companion (HB 761) has been idling in the Economic Affairs Committee, the bill’s final scheduled stop, for more than three weeks.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.
Four Northview Lifters Qualify For Regionals
March 28, 2014
Four Northview athletes qualified to complete at the regional boy’s weightlifting meeting April 9 in Panama City.
Advancing to the regionals were:
- Everette Garvey (JR) in the 119-lb. class. Everette had a 150-lb. bench press and a 135-lb. clean and jerk for a total of 285-lbs., which earned him a first place finish in the weight class.
- Dezmine Moorer (SO) in the 154-lb. class. Dezmine had a 215-lb. bench press and a 185-lb. clean and jerk for a total of 400-lbs., which earned him a second place finish in the weight class.
- Jacob Weaver (FR) in the 199-lb. class. Jacob had a 175-lb. bench press and a 165-lb. clean and jerk for a total of 340-lbs., which earned him a third place finish in the weight class.
- Austin Whitehead (SO) in the HVY class. Austin had a 250-lb. bench press ans a 225-lb. clean and jerk for a total of 475-lbs., which earned him a third place finish in the weight class.
Northview’s top lifter, senior Luke McDaniel who lifts in the 219-lb. class, sustained an injury during the meet and was not able to finish. McDaniel had won each of his previous meets this season.
The regional meet will be held April 9 at Arnold High School with 17 schools competing.
West Florida Lady Jags Win Daytona Beach Grand Slam
March 28, 2014
The West Florida Lady Jags won the Third Annual Daytona Beach Slam recently. The Lady Jags went 4-0 in the tournament and remain undefeated on the season. Pictured: (front, L-R) Kayla Miller, Jasmyn Nguyen, Nachelle Watson, Korina Rosario, Kristin Gunter, Emily Loring, Lauren Carnley, (back) Coach Angie Johnson, Maegan Freeman, Ali Cutaio, Farrah Nicholas, Head Coach Jessica Smith, Jordaine Watkins, Manager Kathleen Smiley, Breana Rogers, Danyelle Black, Jibrasha Moore and Coach Gary Jackson. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Preston Joiner
March 28, 2014
Mr. Preston Joiner, 77, passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2014, in Rabun, Alabama.
Mr. Joiner was a native and lifelong resident of Rabun. Mr. Joiner was retired from Standard Furniture. A son, Bobo Joiner and a granddaughter, Sonya Tuberville precede him in death.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Clarice Johnson Joiner of Rabun; two sons, Danny Preston (Jackie) Joiner of Mobile and Allen Rockie (Ada) Joiner of Dyas, AL; two daughters, Bonnie (Earl) Tuberville of Rabun and Holly (Jeremy) Johnson of Rabun; eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Saturday, March 29, 2014, at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Sister Helen Stewart officiating.
Burial will follow at Dean’s Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Jr Joiner, Charlie Joiner, B.W. Milstead, Donnie Powell, Ricky Joiner, Jr. and Alonzo Sims.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
E-Cigarettes Bill Draws Fire
March 28, 2014
Nobody in the Capitol, it seems, wants minors to buy electronic cigarettes.
But an effort to ban sales of the trendy nicotine-delivery tubes to people under 18 has run into controversy in the state House.
Health groups and local governments are criticizing a bill (HB 169) that would ban e-cigarette sales to minors because the measure also would prevent cities and counties from passing their own regulations on the sales of electronic cigarettes and tobacco products.
The House Regulatory Affairs Committee on Thursday voted 12-5 to approve the bill, after the proposed ban on local regulations — known in Tallahassee-speak as state “preemption” — drew criticism from groups such as the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society, the Florida League of Cities and the Florida Association of Counties.
Rep. Frank Artiles, a Miami Republican who is sponsoring the bill with Rep. Ronald “Doc” Renuart, R-Ponte Vedra Beach, said the bill seeks uniformity in the regulation of sales. Among the backers of the bill is the Florida Retail Federation.
“We can’t have 415 cities and 67 counties doing different ordinances,” Artiles said.
Electronic cigarettes have become increasingly popular as they allow users to inhale vaporized nicotine without all the health risks of smoking regular cigarettes. While supporters point to those health benefits, critics of “e-cigarettes” warn that the devices can hook people on nicotine, which could lead to use of other tobacco products.
The Senate has already unanimously passed a bill (SB 224), sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, that would ban the sale of e-cigarettes to minors. But that bill does not have the controversial preemption of local regulations.
A House analysis said several cities and counties, including Clay County, Alachua County, Indian River County and Marion County, have passed local regulations about e-cigarettes. As an example, Clay County passed an ordinance in 2013 that regulates the sales, marketing and public use of the devices, according to the analysis.
Casey Cook, a lobbyist for the Florida League of Cities, objected to the part of the House bill seeking to prevent local regulations, saying cities and counties should be able to “respond to their constituents.”
Artiles said his preemption proposal only addresses regulation of the sale of e-cigarettes and tobacco products, not other issues such as the use. Also, he said the proposal is aimed at preventing local governments from passing new regulations and would not affect already-existing local regulations.
But preemption has long been controversial on smoking-related issues. For example, state law bars smoking in most indoor workplaces but also does not allow local governments to pass tougher smoking restrictions.
Brenda Olsen, chief operating officer of the American Lung Association in Florida, said such preemption laws interfere with efforts to help protect people’s health.
But Rep. Jose Felix Diaz, R-Miami, questioned opposition to the bill, pointing to growing use of electronic cigarettes among middle- and high-school students.
“This bill is getting these products out of the hands of children up to the age of 18,” Diaz said.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Volunteer Meeting Next Week For Those That Seek To ‘Reimagine Century’
March 28, 2014
“You can make a change in your community today” — that’s the slogan of Reimagine, a local organization that is is determined to meet then needs of of the communities in which it commits to serve.
Reimagine Century will be held on Saturday, September 13 at Showalter Park. A volunteer meeting will be held next Tuesday, April 1 at 7 p.m. at the Ag Building on West Highway 4 in Century.
Organizer Linda English said the group is on a mission to serve those less fortunate.
“We do so by uniting churches, businesses, and organization within a particular community to meet an individual’s physical need, which in turn, opens the door to establishing a relationship, allowing us to then talk and discuss meeting a spiritual need,” she said.
Reimagine has held similar events in Brownsville, Warrrington, Thomaston, GA, Santa Rosa County and Peru. Events have included clothing giveaways, free haircuts, free food, free health checks and displays from community organizations.
For more information, contact Linda at (850) 454-5280.
Pictured: Scenes from Reimagine Warrington. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Four Critically Injured In Head-On Wreck North Of Flomaton
March 27, 2014
Four people were critically injured in a head-on collision on a dirt road north of Flomaton Thursday afternoon.
A pickup truck and Jeep Cherokee collided on Hall Creek Road between Sardine Road and Highway 113 about 12:30 p.m. At least two people, were airlifted to Pensacola hospitals in two different LifeFlight helicopters. Two other people were transported by ambulance to area hospitals. The teens involved reportedly ranged in age from 17-19.
Further details have not yet been released by Alabama State Troopers as they continue their investigation.
Responding agencies included the Flomaton Fire Department, the Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County (FL) EMS, Atmore Ambulance, D.W. McMillan (Brewton) Ambulance, Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office and Alabama State Troopers.
The accident site is about 10 miles north of the Alabama/Florida state line.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
