Gov. Scott Presents School Recognition Funding To Escambia Schools
March 16, 2015
Gov. Rick Scott presented $1.4 million in school recognition funding awards to Escambia County schools Monday afternoon. The financial awards were based on sustained or significantly improved student achievement at individual schools.
Schools may use their award for faculty or staff bonuses, to purchase educational equipment or materials, or hire temporary staff to help maintain or improve student performance. How the money will be spent will be decided by the School Advisory Council at each awarded school.
Schools eligible for recognition awards include those receiving an “A” school grade, improving at least one letter grade from the previous year, or improving more than one letter grade and sustaining the improvement the following school year.
Escambia County schools receiving school recognition funding were as follows:
Byrneville Elementary , Inc. – $17,360
Ernest Ward Middle – $45,872
Molino Park Elementary – $38,215
Ransom Middle – $142,997
Hellen Caro Elementary – $95,227
Bellview Elementary – $69,608
Bellview Middle – $97,980
Cordova Park Elementary – $70,790
Scenic Heights Elementary – $87,220
A. K. Suter Elementary – $42,361
Warrington Middle – $64,943
J. H. Workman Middle – $97,958
Brown Barge Middle – $59,441
Woodham Middle – $69,947
L. D. Mcarthur Elementary – $74,058
Blue Angels Elementary – $84,917
West Florida High /technical – $125,441
Global Learning Academy – $75,742
Jackie Harris Preparatory Academy – $19,763
Pensacola Beach Charter – $13,524
Newpoint Academy – $15,861
Newpoint Pensacola – $11,392
Pictured: Gov. Rick School presents school recognition funding awards Monday afternoon at Blue Angel Elementary. Photo courtesy Pensacola Chamber of Commerce for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wildlife Food Plot Meeting Planned
March 16, 2015
The Escambia County Extension Service will host a Wildlife Food Plots meeting on Friday, March 20, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the West Florida Research and Education Center, 4253 Experiment Road (Hwy 182), Jay.
This free event will showcase 18 different test plots that range in material from clover to wheat. Dr. Ann Blount, UF/IFAS Forage breeder, will be on hand to share her experiences with the various winter forages and keys to getting the maximum production out of a plot.
For more information contact Escambia County agriculture agent Libbie Johnson at (850) 475-5230.
Florida Tax Projections Increase Slightly Amid Budget Questions
March 16, 2015
Lawmakers facing the pressures of a potential loss in federal health-care funding on one side and Gov. Rick Scott’s drive to slash taxes and raise education spending on the other got little relief as state economists projected how much money the Legislature has to work with.
Economic forecasters added $145.4 million in tax revenue for the budget year that begins July 1, a change that represents just 0.5 percent of general revenue. General revenue, in turn, pays for less than half of the spending plan that lawmakers will put together.
The forecasters also revised this year’s revenues up by a tiny $500,000 — money that could be carried over to next year.
Amy Baker, the Legislature’s chief economist, said the changes aren’t significant enough to alter lawmakers’ plans.
“I would say $145 million is not going to change what their thinking was going into this morning about the development of their budget,” Baker said. “It’s a very marginal change. … In terms of what they were looking at this morning, they’re probably looking at the same thing this afternoon, and it’s not going to change any decision that they’re facing.”
In fact, shortly after the meeting of economists broke up, Senate President Andy Gardiner issued a statement contrasting the increased revenue with “the stark reality” of a budget that will begin to take shape next week.
“Our appropriations chairs and their committee staff work on the budget all year long, but this is the week where we have to put pen to paper,” said Gardiner, R-Orlando. “When faced with that reality, any increase in general revenue, no matter how modest, is positive news.”
But Gardiner also highlighted ongoing negotiations between state and federal officials about a health-care funding program set to expire June 30. If no agreement is reached, it could blow a $2 billion hole in the state spending plan.
“With seven weeks to go (in the legislative session), I am hopeful Tallahassee and Washington can reach a solution that will allow our state to utilize increases in general revenue to advance important policy goals in areas like education, tax relief and water and natural resources, rather than to make up for lost federal funding; however, I will not ask senators to vote on a budget that includes promises of substantial funding we may not be able to keep,” Gardiner said.
Tuesday’s meeting capped off a series of gatherings on state finance that produced a few minor changes. For example, insurance premium tax revenue will not rise as quickly as initially expected under the Affordable Care Act, the health-care law commonly referred to as Obamacare. And while projections still call for costs going down in Medicaid in the coming budget year, the newest forecast predicts smaller savings than were anticipated.
Lawmakers still appear to have a surplus of about $1 billion to work with. But between the health-care showdown, Scott’s call for record per-student spending in education and conservative hopes for tax cuts of $500 million or more, that funding could dry up quickly.
As for the economy itself, Baker said the fact that growth is on an even keel is an encouraging sign.
“It’s very stable growth, which is a positive,” she said. “After 10 years of wild roller-coaster changes up and down, this is really good to see.”
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Ernest Ward Names Students Of The Month
March 16, 2015
Ernest Ward Middle School has named their Students of the Month for February. They are (L-R) Arianna Rudd, Austin Smith and Sarah Brooks. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High Chaparrals Winter Guard Wins Regional Championship
March 16, 2015
The Tate High School Chaparrals won first place in the 2015 WGI Scholastic Regional A Championship this weekend. They will move on to the circuit championships on March 28.
The Chaparrals are the oldest competitive scholastic winter guard in the nation and former world champions. They begin competing this season in late January.
Pictured are (front, L-R) Katie Dupre, Katy Luebke, Madison Philley, Breanna Langley, Michaela Overbey, (middle, L-R) Selina Dyess, Kelsey Stregth, Savannah Vonstein, Jo Jo O’Steen, (back, L-R) instructor Bill Blocker, Brenn Repine, Megan Leonard, Virginia Vaughan and instructor Stanley Fin. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Theresa Marie Houston
March 16, 2015
Theresa Marie Houston, U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Ret., age 58, of Pace, FL passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family and faithful canine companion “Tibby,” on Thursday, March 12, 2015. Theresa was born in Dearborn, Michigan to Edmond and Leona Russell. She was a proud member of St. Luke United Methodist Church, in Pensacola and a Vietnam Era and Gulf War veteran.
Theresa was a graduate of Asheville–Buncombe Technical Community College, in Asheville, NC, where she earned a degree in Dental Hygiene.
She is survived by her devoted husband, James F.; her cherished daughter, Kelly (Andrew) Meadows, of Ft. Walton Beach; loving step-daughter, Enana (Howie) Jenkins, of Franklin, N.C.; beloved grandson, Owen Jenkins and beloved granddaughter, Ashley Coleman, both of Franklin, NC; her mother, Leona (Tom) Slagle, of Kernersville, NC; brother, Randy (Rachel) Russell, of Asheville, NC; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held Sunday, March 15, 2015, with Rev. Jason Adams and Rev. Larry Anderson officiating.
A private cremation is entrusted to Faith Chapel North Funeral Home and Crematory.
Memorial donations in Theresa’s name can be made to Pace Center for Girls, 1028 Underwood Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32504.
Thelma Elizabeth Brown
March 16, 2015
Thelma Elizabeth Brown, 91, of Atmore, died March 14, 2015, at the Century Health and Rehabilitation Center in Century.
Mrs. Brown was born November 30, 1923, in Frisco City, to Gus and Janie McNeil. She graduated from Frisco City High School in 1941 and then enlisted in the US Navy in May 1944. She received her initial training at Naval Training Station Bronx, N.Y. and then was transferred to Washington, D.C. until the end of her enlistment. She returned to Atmore in 1964 to raise her family of six children. Afterwards, Mrs. Brown started a new career as a ward clerk at the Atmore Community Hospital, the Monroe County Hospital in Monroeville and the North Baldwin Hospital in Bay Minette. She was an active member of Atmore Baptist Temple until failing health prevented her from attending.
Mrs. Brown is survived by her daughter, Patricia Brown of Pensacola; five sons and their spouses, Mike and Karen Brown of Carencro, LA, Alvin and Becky Brown of Atmore, David and Teresa Brown of Davisville, Stephen and Gail Brown of Atmore and James and Linda Brown of Washington, D.C.; nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held Tuesday, March 17, 2015, at 10 a.m. from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel in Atmore with the Rev. Robert Heard officiating.
Internment will follow in Union Cemetery in Frisco City, AL.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 17, 2015, from 9 a.m. until service time at 10 a.m. from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Krystle Leigh Hall Knowles
March 16, 2015
“God has taken another angel home.”
Krystle Leigh Hall Knowles, 29, after an unexpected illness, left this world to walk the streets of gold, on March 10, 2015, with her family by her side.
Krystle graduated Escambia County High School in 2003, continuing her education at Capps College, graduating in Medical Administrative Assistance. Krystle was employed with Dr. Dixon in Atmore, and later in Mobile at Kenworth Trucking as office manager.
Krystle decided to be a stay at home mother after the birth of her son, Jack, in 2009. They resided in Canoe until last year, moving to the Pollard Community.
Preceding Krystle in death was her Pa Jack Crews; uncles, Jody and Buddy Crews; two great-grandmothers, Mittie Hall and Edna Hendricks; and her beloved great, great grandmother Baggett.
Left behind to cherish her memories are her husband of ten year0,s Marcus Knowles; son, Jack Knowles; parents, Aaron C. Hall and Dianne Crews Hall; grandparents, Rosa Crews, Clark and Gloria Hall; father and mother-in-law, Edmond and Luverne Knowles; aunt LuLu and Anthony Lamb; and a host of friends and cousins.
Funeral services were held Monday, March 16, 2015, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Joe Gibson officiating.
Burial was at the Pineville Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be James Scott II, Spencer Rodgers, Cody Black, Chase McGhee, Miles Smith and Brian Ledkins.
Honorary pallbearers will be Natalie Guy, Tara Porter, Shelby Golson, Kristy Harper, Austin Rodgers and Anna Mims.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Clyde Nolen Bruley
March 16, 2015
Clyde Nolen Bruley, 82 of Atmore, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2015, in Pensacola. He was born on February 20, 1933, in Brewton, to the late Joseph John and Nicie Jane Minchew Bruley. He had worked at Monsanto, Singer Corporation and Industrial Supply before retiring. He served on the board of directors for over 20 years with the Free Will Baptist Church Children’s Home in Eldridge, AL and served for over 40 years as a Free Will Baptist Church pastor. He was honorably discharged from the United States Navy and served during the Korean War.
Survivors include his wife, of 59 years, 11 months and 21 days, Lucille Barlow Bruley of Atmore; two sons, Jonathan Christopher (Annise) Bruley and Brian Gregory (Rhonda) Bruley, all of Atmore; two daughters, Gwen Bruley( Jeff) Long of Jackson, MS and Melody Bruley (Tim) Godwin of Atmore; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Services were held Friday, March 13, 2015, from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Ron Hall officiating.
Interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Active pallbearers are Ryan Woods, Tim Godwin, Nathan Bruley, David Burley, Jeff Long and Lain Hughes.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Gene Lambert
March 16, 2015
Mr. Gene “Booger” Lambert, 77, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2015, in Panama City, Florida.
Mr. Lambert was a native of Mineola, Alabama and a resident of Panama City for the past 20 years. Mr. Lambert was a veteran US Marine Corp and retired from the Alabama Army National Guard. He attended the Sunny Hill Baptist church. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lillian Lambert; and brother, James Lee Lambert.
Survivors include his wife, Diane Lambert; four daughters, Markita Lambert, Angela Lambert (Tony) Wilson, Jena Lambert (Jeff) Cash and Jennifer Diane Lambert; two sisters, Faye Mathers and Mary Frances Lancaster; six granchildren, Timothy McMorris, Bryan McMorris, Brandon Wilson, Blake Wilson, Cooper Cash and Conner Cash.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 18, 2015, at 11 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Bro. Timothy McMorris and speaker Charles Lowery officiating.
Burial will follow at the Mineola Cemetery.
Visitation will be Tuesday, March 17, 2015, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Tony Wilson, Brandon Wilson, Blake Wilson, Jeff Cash, Timothy McMorris and Bryan McMorris.
Honorary pallbearers will be Turner Brooks and Charles Lowery.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.