Cottage Hill Forest No Longer For Sale
March 4, 2014
The Cottage Hill State Forest is no longer for sale.
State environmental officials have changed focus and won’t sell dozens of pieces of conservation land across the state to help raise money for the Florida Forever program because the idea fell short of a $50 million goal set by lawmakers,
The state agency announced the shift in policy late Friday after six months whittling a list of parcels — from among the state’s inventory of more than 3 million acres of publicly owned conservation land — to determine which could be sold without impacting overall environmentally sensitive sites.
In Escambia County, the state was looking to sell the Cottage Hill State Forest and 3.4 acres of the Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park. In Santa Rosa County, 4.8 acres of the Blackwater Heritage State Trail and a 20 acre track on Gillis Road were set for market.
“I’m thankful for the efforts of our staff, who conducted many public meetings and sought public comment to make this a transparent process,” Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Herschel Vinyard said in a release. “We will continue to assess our land, determine what should be sold and we are excited about the possibility of selling non-conservation land to fund conservation land purchases to protect our springs, water resources and buffer military bases.”
Manley Fuller, president of the Florida Wildlife Federation, praised the decision that he noted “ended up where it should have been all along.”
“One positive thing that has come out of this is that Floridians care deeply about our conservation lands, and this process has demonstrated clearly is that Florida’s public-conservation lands should remain in public hands for conservation and sustainable nature-based recreation,” Fuller responded in an email.
Department of Environmental Protection spokesman Patrick Gillespie said the new focus will be on selling unused prison, hospital and state buildings.
The first example of the new emphasis is A.G. Holley, a tuberculosis hospital closed by lawmakers in 2012 after six decades in operation.
Southeast Legacy Investments, a land development and construction company, has offered $15.6 million for 80 acres at the hospital site, according to the Cabinet meeting agenda. The sale has been recommended for approval by state staff.
Casinos Missing From Florida House Gambling Bill
March 4, 2014
A Florida House gambling proposal released late Monday would do away with nearly a dozen inactive pari-mutuel permits and create a gambling oversight board but is most notable perhaps for what it lacks.
The 411-page House plan, sponsored by House Select Committee on Gaming Chairman Rob Schenck, R-Spring Hill, does not contain any mention of destination resort casinos at the heart of a Senate gambling proposal released last week.
The House is expected Tuesday to release a proposed constitutional amendment that would require voter approval of any expansion of gambling, including any plans approved during this spring’s legislative session. The Senate released a proposal that would only require voter approval of future expansions.
Under the House gambling bill (HB 1383), the governor would appoint a five-member “Gaming Control Commission.” A legislative nominating committee would give the governor a list of names to choose from. The House bill also puts restrictions on the panel by barring behind-the-scenes communications between commissioners and “interested parties,” something intended to keep regulators and industry lobbyists or representatives from getting too cozy.
The commission would have broad authority to approve permits and licenses for pari-mutuel wagering, cardrooms and slot machines and also sign off on relocations or conversions of permits. The commission would oversee the Department of Gaming Enforcement, which would have the ability to use the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
The Legislature, which paid $400,000 for a gambling study, is considering changes to the gambling laws as a deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida is slated to sunset next year. Gov. Rick Scott, who is in control of negotiations with the tribe, has not said whether he will wrap up a new deal in time for lawmakers to sign off on it before the session wraps up on May 2.
“We create a strong gaming commission, clean up significant and glaring loopholes in current law, and respect the governor’s role in negotiating a compact,” Schenck said in a prepared statement. “The House also has a proposed constitutional amendment that will provide Floridians with the authority to decide future gaming expansion.”
The House plan would also do away with pari-mutuel permits that have not been used for the past two years, eliminating 10 dormant permits, according to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation website.
Both the House and Senate plans would reorganize current gambling laws, but the Senate proposal (SB 7052) would allow for two casinos — one each in Broward and Miami-Dade counties — as long as local voters approve. The casinos could offer slots and blackjack along with roulette and craps. Casino operators would pay $125 million to apply for the licenses, with the money refunded to losing bidders. The casinos would pay annual $5 million license fees, and games would be taxed at 35 percent, the same rate that “racinos” in Miami-Dade and Broward currently pay on slot machines.
House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, insists his chamber will not pass any gambling measures unless Scott renegotiates a deal with the Seminole Tribe. Weatherford also wants any changes approved this year to be subject to a statewide referendum and require 60 percent approval for passage.
Hours before the House released its plan, the Senate Gaming Committee reviewed its far more ambitious measure. Committee Chairman Garrett Richter said the panel would take up the three-bill gambling package along with amendments to the bills in two weeks.
“It’s kind of like a balloon,” Richter, R-Naples, said. “We’ll put it up in the air and the wind will blow it one direction or another.”
by Dara Kim, The News Service of Florida
Northview JV Baseball Beats Neal; NHS Softball Schedule Change For Tuesday
March 4, 2014
The junior varsity Northview Chiefs beat W.S. Neal Monday night 10-7 in East Brewton.
Northview is scheduled to host Jay, weather permitting this afternoon with the JV playing at 4:00 and the varsity at 6:00.
In girls action, the junior varsity Northview versus Jay game has been canceled, with the varsity Chiefs and Royals now scheduled for 4:00, weather permitting.
Pictured: Northview’s JV beat W.S. Neal Monday in East Brewton. Photos by Ramona Preston for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Read Across America Day At Jim Allen Elementary
March 4, 2014
Brighthouse Network employees read to students at Jim Allen Elementary School Monday to celebrate Read Across America Day. Brighthouse Networks provided Dr. Seuss bookmarks for all the books, and donated a book to a classroom library. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Betty Sue (Mackie) Lee McPherson
March 4, 2014
Betty Sue (Mackie) Lee McPherson, 77, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2014, at her home in Walnut Hill. She was born on December 23, 1936, at her family’s home in Huxford, which was located about one mile from where she will be buried next to her husband. She graduated from Flomaton High School where she entered the twelfth grade at age 16. Under the age of 17, she held a part-time job at Anderson’s Department Store. She also held positions at the Telephone Company, Watson Hardware, Chemstrand (where she met her husband, Mack, in 1954), and First National Bank. She retired from First National Bank in 1983. Her life centered around her husband, Charles, and son, Larry, and his family. Her grandchildren were the love of her life, and she thoroughly enjoyed the blessings she received through the lives of these two. She and Mack visited her parents most every Sunday afternoon. She was part of a large family that enjoyed being together. Where you saw Mack, you saw Betty Sue; they were truly soul mates.
She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 58 years, Charles W. McPherson; and her parents, Noah E. and Daisey Wade Lee.
She is survived by her son, Larry (Mary) McPherson; two grandchildren, Patrick Wayne McPherson and Charleigh Victoria McPherson; her brothers, John J. Everette Lee, Paul E. (Everlene) Lee, and Samuel T. (Shirley) Lee; and her sisters, Mary L. Lee (Jesse) Lassiter, Faye Lee (Winston) Godwin, and Margie N. Lee (Vernon) Parker.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 5, 2014, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Huxford Community of Christ Church.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at the Huxford Community of Christ Church with Elders Cary Gilbert and Glenn Waldrop officiating.
Interment will follow at Huxford Community of Christ Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Steve Godwin, Donald Lee, Tim Lee, Doug Black, Darby Black, and Larry Pope.
Family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Huxford Community of Christ Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Beth Linam, 2661 Pieburn Cr, Atmore, AL 36502 or to Gentiva Hospice Foundation, 7801 Mesquite Bend Drive Suite 105, Irving, TX 75063.
Johnson Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Highway 97A Boggy Creek Bridge Reopens
March 4, 2014
Traffic on Highway 97A over Boggy Creek near Enon has been shifted from a temporary bridge to a newly constructed bridge. The old bridge was demolished and a new structure and approaches constructed since last August. The total price tag for the project was about $1.5 million.
Lower speed limits are still in effect and motorists may encounter some delays as the temporary bridge and approaches are removed. Drivers are advised to use caution while traveling through the area and to be aware that speeding violations will be doubled when workers are present. Construction work could be delayed or rescheduled due to inclement weather.
Pictured: A new $1.5 million bridge over Boggy Creek in Enon opened late last week. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Poarch Creeks Open Health Clinic And Assisted Living Facility
March 4, 2014
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians Monday opened the doors of two new facilities that will provide health care services for the tribe and its employees and long-term care and housing for its senior citizens.
The Buford L. Rolin Health Clinic, named after the tribe’s current Chairman, and the Lavan Martin Assisted Living Facility, which honors the revered late tribal leader, serve as working monuments to the two men’s lifelong commitment to providing essential services to Poarch, according to a PCI press release.
Rolin is nationally recognized for his decades of work in Indian healthcare. Martin worked tirelessly during his lifetime to secure tribal services for current and future generations.
“There has been the need to expand our services and build a new health clinic for several years,” said Tribal Administrator Edie Jackson. “We are thrilled to be able to open this state-of -the -art facility, especially one that honors our Chairman who has done so much for so many.
“It is a great comfort, too, that our new assisted living facility now gives our elders the opportunity to stay close to home, live in a premier facility, and be the beneficiaries of high-quality care,” she continued.
“I am so proud to be able to walk through these doors today,” Rolin said. “Lavan and I dreamed for many years about having these kinds of facilities for our Tribe. I know that he would be so happy to see that his hard work and commitment were remembered and honored this way. I feel so personally gratified that we are able to provide wonderful healthcare services and care for our elders right here at home.”
The two-story Tribal Health Clinic will offer a full range of health services to tribal members and employees. There are more than 200 parking space to accommodate visitors, patients and staff.
The Lavan Martin Assisted Living Facility includes four assisted living homes, 24 one-bedroom apartments, eight two-bedroom apartments and two guest rooms. The complex also includes a 100-seat dining room, plus recreational and entertainment spaces.
Doris Wade Gandy
March 4, 2014
Doris Wade Gandy, age 87, a native of Ochlocknee, Georgia, and former resident of Pensacola, passed away peacefully with her niece by her side on Monday, March 3, 2014, just days shy of her 88th birthday. She passed away at the Atmore Community Hospital’s Tender Loving Care program where she has received great care and compassion for the last nine years under the medical skill of the Lord’s servant and her physician, Dr. Jonah McIntyre.
Singing the loudest while leading the Halleluiah chorus when she reached her heavenly reward, was her devoted sister, Merle Matthews along with their beloved sisters, Cleo Hagan, Dora Hackney, Sadie Shuman, Dot Carter, her only brother, Wallace Wade, and parents John Arthur and Nora Wade. She was also predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Robert Cecil Gandy.
Survivors include her loving sister, Lysbeth Brown of Jacksonville, Florida; 21 nieces and nephews, including her Godchild and special namesake, Doris Dale Ash, Hooper W. Matthews, III of Atmore; Cindy Colville of Spanish Fort; extraordinary caregivers, Joyce Portis, Michelle Robbins, Jennifer Haskew, Carolyn Scott, Lucille Ankum and Cora Matthews. Jean Wilson, Jean Johnson, and Lucille Matthews, loving “senior saints” were faithful over the years in their ministry to Doris. Also feeling the loss of Doris’ smile and constant presence in their lives, are her wonderful family at the Atmore Community Hospital including the nursing and administrative staffs, physical and respiratory therapy departments, and the hospital auxiliary.
With an engaging smile, helpful nature, and keen intellect, Doris worked her way up the “ladder” in the Bell Telephone family from the 1940s as switchboard operator to supervisory customer service management upon her retirement in 1989. During her career with the phone company, which spanned five decades, she was awarded the Supervisor of the Year award. Doris was also an active member of the Pioneer Club.
A Bible scholar, Doris was a charter member of Pensacola’s Burgess Road Baptist Church in 1968 where she was an active member of the Ladies Joy Sunday School Class. As untiring supporter of missionaries throughout this country and abroad, she took any available opportunity to personally spread the gospel of Jesus Christ whom she accepted as her Lord and Savior, alongside her sister, Merle on Sunday, June 8, 1941 at the Church of Christ in Arbor Dale, Georgia.
Her 12-year battle with Alzheimer’s has ended with a new body and a new mind in Christ. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” The Book of Timothy, Chapter 2:4-7 defines Doris Wade Gandy’s life.
A celebration of her Christian witness and testimony will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2014, at the First Presbyterian Church in Atmore at 11 a.m. with a visitation luncheon in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service, which will be conducted by Reverend Mark Cooley.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Jerelda Lynell Wilkinson
March 4, 2014
Jerelda Lynell Wilkinson, 66, of Cantonment, began breathing freely in heaven on March 2, 2014. She was born December 27, 1947, in Waycross, GA to Reverend William Edward Martin and Alice Mae Wildes. Along with them, her sisters Doris Garrett and Betty Thomas (Beryl) welcomed her home. She is survived by her sister Marjorie Weathers (EJ).
She was married to Frank P. Wilkinson on September 1, 1995 in Bay Minette and they resided in Cantonment. She was the daughter of a Church of God of Prophecy minister and like a tree planted by the water, she remained unmoved. In her final days she worshipped at Church in the House. As a business owner of Plaza Beauty Salon, for many years she made Cantonment beautiful.
She is survived by her children, Iwana Burleson Bruns of Cantonment, Angela Burleson Browning of Pensacola and Brandi Neal (Randy) of Cantonment; grandchildren Ben “Benbo” Browning, Rachel Browning, Amber Neal, Caroline Bruns, and Hannah Neal.
She is also preceded in death by her beloved four-legged children, Cheyenne and Rebel.
Visitation will be Thursday, March 6, 2014, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 7, 2014, at Faith Chapel North. Pastor Jerry Fleming will officiate.
She will be laid to rest at Cottage Hill Community Center.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Joyce Smith Ayers
March 4, 2014
Joyce Smith Ayers, 72, of Pensacola, went to be with our Lord on Friday, February 28, 2014, at Shands Hospital after a long battle with Myelofibrosis. Joyce was born in Columbus, Gerogia, in 1941. She was a 1962 graduate of the University of Alabama. She married her husband of 50 years in 1963 and settled in Pensacola in 1973 after her husband retired from the Air Force. Joyce worked as a RN for Dr. Nell Potter until her retirement. She was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church.
Joyce was preceded in death by her father, Louie; her mother, Mildred; and her sister, Paula.
Immediate survivors include her husband, Lowell; her daughter, Kimberly Jeaneen O’Connor (Peter); grandchildren, Abigail and Teddy Harrell; and daughter, Penny Kay Ayers and grandchildren, Sidney and Chase McDonald.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 7, 2014, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, March 8, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Reverend Michael McBride officiating. Joyce will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Marianna, Florida.
No interment services will be held.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.