Sunny And 95 Today
August 13, 2015
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. Calm wind.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92.
Wu Name NW Florida League Of Cities Municipal Officer Of The Year
August 13, 2015
Pensacola council member P.C. Wu has been named the Municipal Officer of the Year by the Northwest Florida League of Cities. Wu has served as the Pensacola director on for the NWFLC for 10 yeares. He served as the Legislative Chair beginning in 2007 and moved up the executive committee ranks to become president of the NWFLC in 2009. He also served on the Florida League of Cities, including a term as president in 2013. He also services on the National League of Cities board of directors. Photo courtesy City of Pensacola for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Citizens Policies Eyed For Private Market
August 13, 2015
Seven private insurers have been approved to pick up what would amount to nearly half the remaining policies held by the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp.
Just don’t expect a mass exit from Citizens when the “takeout” period arrives in October.
The Office of Insurance Regulation announced Wednesday that up to 280,857 polices have been approved to move to the private insurance industry in late October.
“The number of policies that will ultimately leave Citizens will be substantially lower than the number of policies OIR has approved for takeout,” Citizen spokesman Michael Peltier noted in an email Wednesday. “That has always been the case but has become more noticeable over the past few takeouts.”
Citizens had 598,646 policies as of June 30.
The overall Citizens policy count is a considerable drop from a high of 1.5 million policies in 2012, when Gov. Rick Scott pushed to scale back the agency by putting more homeowners under private firms. The push was an attempt to reduce risk for policyholders across the state who could get with get hit with assessments to pay off Citizens claims after major hurricanes.
Citizens was created as the insurer of last resort, and President and Chief Executive Officer Barry Gilway has projected that “depopulation” steps by Citizens, which includes the takeout process, should eventually lower the agency’s policy count to about 450,000 of the least-insurable policies.
Before this week’s announcement, the state had made 713,336 policies available through the takeout process in 2015. So far, 128,133 policies have been removed from Citizens through the process.
A reason for the low turnover is that private insurers typically select the least-risky policies. Also, policyholders are allowed to reject takeout offers.
In October, a total of 279,357 personal-residential policies and 1,500 commercial-residential policies will be offered to Anchor Property & Casualty, Cypress Property & Casualty, Heritage Property & Casualty, Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty, Olympus Insurance, Safepoint Insurance and United Property & Casualty Insurance.
Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty, a wholly-owned insurance subsidiary of HCI Group, Inc., was approved for up to 51,666 policies, but noted in a release Tuesday that it will target just about 17,500 wind-only policies.
“Based on the current opportunity within Citizens, we anticipate the focus of this takeout will be wind-only policies,” Paresh Patel, HCI Group’s chief executive officer, said in the release. “Selecting only those policies from Citizens that meet our strict underwriting criteria allows us to minimize our underwriting risk.”
Peltier also noted that the pace of the depopulation efforts may temporarily slow if Citizens rates proposed for 2016 are approved. That is because Citizens least-risky customers could see rate decreases, which might give them little incentive to move to the private market.
The Citizens Board of Governors has proposed a plan that would lead to an average 3.2 percent increase in rates next year for many homeowners. The rates would fluctuate depending on location, home and type of policy.
Under the plan, which will be heard by state regulators on Aug. 25, premiums would increase an average of 8.6 percent on coastal “multi-peril” policies, which provide full coverage to homeowners. Citizens’ customers who live in inland areas, however, would fare better under the rate plan. Homeowners in those areas would see average 1 percent rate decreases.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Winkler Homers, Wahoos Lose To Biloxi
August 13, 2015
Jesse Winker hit his second solo home run in two games but it lead off the ninth inning and the Pensacola Blue Wahoos dropped the opener of its five-game series, 4-1, with the Biloxi Shuckers.
It was the first time the Blue Wahoos played in the Shuckers new MGM Park in downtown Biloxi near the Gulf of Mexico and Beau Rivage Casino.
Pensacola entered the game in first place in the second half but the loss dropped them to 26-20 in and one game behind the Mississippi Braves in the South Division of the Southern League. Biloxi, the first half winner, improved to 22-23 and is in fourth place in the second half.
The game was a far cry from the Blue Wahoos offensive explosion Tuesday against the Birmingham Barons when it scored 13 runs on a season-high 19 hits.
Wednesday night, Pensacola managed just one run on five hits. Winker, the Cincinnati Reds top prospect according to MLB Pipeline, was the only hitter to manage two hits, going 2-4 and reaching 40 RBIs on his solo blast to left field. He now hitting .303 in the second half with seven home runs and 23 RBIs.
Biloxi pitcher Jorge Lopez, the Milwaukee Brewers No. 9 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, pitched eight scoreless innings, allowing four hits, two walks and striking out eight. He improved to 11-5 with a 2.45 ERA on the year.
Center fielder Brett Phillips knocked in Biloxi’s first run in the second inning with a two-out double that scored catcher Adam Weisenburger for a 1-0 lead.
Biloxi added two more in the third when first baseman Nick Ramirez doubled in second baseman Nathan Orf and Weisenburger singled in Ramirez to go ahead, 3-0.
Biloxi scored its last run in the fourth inning when left fielder Victor Roache singled in Phillips to go up, 4-0.
One Injured In Highway 29 Rollover Accident; Driver Cited
August 12, 2015
A Brewton woman was injured in a single-vehicle rollover accident Wednesday morning in McDavid.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 29-year old Charity Andrews Minton was traveling southbound on Highway 29 near Champion Drive about 11:11 a.m. She told troopers that a semi-truck changed lanes into her lane, and she took evasive action. Her 2010 Chevrolet 2500 HD pickup left the paved portion of the roadway and entered the southbound shoulder. She attempted to steer back onto the roadway and lost control, with the pickup truck overturning. The rear of the truck struck at least two trees and overturned into the edge of a wooded area. The accident was spotted after it occurred by a passing Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy.
Minton was transported by ambulance to the Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and then airlifted by LifeFlight helicopter to Sacred Heart Hospital.
Minton was cited for driving with a suspended license by the FHP
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The McDavid and Century stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded to the accident.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
McDavid Sex Offender Headed Back To State Prison
August 12, 2015
A McDavid sex offender is headed to prison for failing to register as required.
Joseph Matthew Trump, age 39 of 2131 South Century Boulevard, was arrested and charged with the felony registration violation back in January. On Monday, he pleaded guilty in Escambia County Circuit Court.
He was sentenced by Judge Michael Jones to two years in state prison, followed by three years supervised probation. He will also still be required to register as a sex offender.
Trump was convicted in Escambia County of a lewd or lascivious act on a child under 16 in October of 1999 and previously served a five year, 10 month sentence in prison, according to FDLE and Department of Corrections records.
Low Of 69 Tonight
August 12, 2015
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 94. North wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 70. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 92. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Traffic Note: First Day Of School In Escambia, AL
August 12, 2015
Today is the first day of school for the Escambia County (AL) school system, and that means buses will be back on the road.
Drivers are also encouraged to use extra caution in school zones.
Local law enforcement agencies say they will be on the lookout for those violating speed restrictions in school zones.
Roy Everette Gibbs
August 12, 2015
Mr. Roy Everette Gibbs, age 86, of Atmore, was called home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, August 10, 2015, at Atmore Community Hospital. Mr. Gibbs was a retired farmer and spent most of his lifetime in the Davisville area. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Lilly Gibbs; wife, Joann Gibbs; brothers, Hollis, Robert Lee, and Leon; sisters, Sybil (Bob) Godwin, Edith (Nelson) Hawkins, and Betty (Shirley) Martin. Mr. Gibbs was saved at an early age and was of the Methodist faith, but in his later years attended First Assembly of God Church in Atmore, before becoming a resident of Atmore Nursing Center for the past three years.
Survivors include his wife, Alice of Atmore; four sons, Perry Gibbs of Atmore, Gary (Carla) Gibbs of Cantonment, Tim (Gina) Gibbs of Davisville, and Chris (Teresa) Gibbs of Rabun, AL; along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, step-children, step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and many, many friends.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 14, 2015, at 10 a.m. from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Don Davis and Bro. Ted Bridges officiating.
Active pallbearers will be Tom Gibbs, Wyman Gibbs, Tony Gibbs, Norman Goss, Jeff Gibbs and Roger Riggs.
Honorary pallbearers will be the First Assembly Senior Sunday School Class.
Burial will follow in the Canoe United Methodist Church Cemetery in Robinsonville.
Visitation will be held Thursday, August 13, 2015, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Escambia County School Orientations Set For Thursday
August 12, 2015
School orientations, schedule pickups and elementary “meet the teacher” events are scheduled for Thursday at most Escambia County Schools. The complete schedule is below.
HIGH SCHOOLS
- Northview – Thursday, August 13 New Student Orientation: 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. (Theater); Monday, August 17 — Returning students pick up schedules. (Gym -First day of school); For more Northview specific information, click here.
- Tate — Thursday, August 13 — Returning students pick up schedules: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. for seniors; 2:00-3:00 p.m. for underclassmen (Cafeteria)
- West Florida — Thursday, August 13 — Returning students pick up schedules: (Gym) Sophomores: 10:30 a.m.; Juniors: 1:00 p.m.; Seniors: 6:00 p.m. (Senior meeting and schedule pickup)
- Pine Forest – Thursday, August 13 — Returning students pick up schedules: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. (Cafeteria)
- Escambia — Thursday, August 13 — Returning Students: 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. (Gym) Returning students will receive their new schedules and parking permits, and pick up forms and other important documents for the start of school.
- Washington – Thursday, August 13 — Returning Seniors/Juniors pick up schedules: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Atrium); Friday, August 14 — Returning Freshmen/Sophomores pick up schedules: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Atrium)
- Pensacola — August 13 — Freshman Orientation: 1:00 p.m. (Auditorium); Junior and Sophomore schedule pickup: 9:00 a.m. (Auditorium)
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
All middle school orientations will be held on Thursday, August 13 as listed below:
- Bailey Middle — 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Bellview Middle — 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Brown Barge Middle — 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Ferry Pass Middle — 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Ransom Middle — 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
- Ernest Ward Middle — Click here for EWMS specific information.
- Warrington Middle Thursday,August 13 10:00 – 12:00 p.m.
- Woodham Middle — 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Workman Middle — 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
All elementary school “meet and greets” will be held Thursday, August 13.
- Bratt — Pre-K 9:30-11:00 a.m.; K-5 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- Molino Park — 10:00-11:00 a.m.
- Jim Allen — Pre-K 8:30-9:00 a.m.; K-5 -9:00-10:30 a.m.
- Beulah — 9:00-11:00 a.m.