Rep. Miller To Hold Mobile Office Hours Today In Century, Jay
November 17, 2015
Congressman Jeff Miller will hold mobile office hours in Century and Jay on Tuesday.
“This is just another way we can better serve our growing population in Northwest Florida,” Miller said. “We tried the mobile office concept earlier, and we had such an outstanding turnout that we decided to expand the concept and add more dates and locations to the program.”
Mobile office days will be held as follows on Tuesday, November 17:
- 10:00-11:30 a.m.: Century Chamber of Commerce (Visitor Information Center), 7811 N. Century Blvd
- 1:00-2:30 p.m.: Jay City Hall, 3695 Highway 4
In order to better serve the needs of constituents who are not close to the Congressman’s Pensacola or Ft. Walton offices, special “mobile office” days have been established. Expanding on the idea first used for “veteran’s assistance days”, members of his staff will be manning the office answering questions about problems with federal agencies or issues affecting the First Congressional District.
Evers Files Bill to Block EPA Clean Power Program
November 17, 2015
Two Republican lawmakers want to keep Florida from having to follow new federal clean-energy regulations while the state backs a legal challenge to an Obama administration rule aimed at reducing carbon emissions from power plants. Sen. Greg Evers, R-Baker and Rep. Manny Diaz Jr., R-Hialeah, filed similar legislation Thursday opposing the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan.
The plan, released by the EPA in August, sets limits on carbon pollution from existing power plants and is intended to help states reduce dependence on coal and other fossil fuels while increasing the use of cleaner energy sources. In a news release, Diaz contended the federal rules put thousands of coal-related jobs in the state at risk and could cause “skyrocketing energy costs” by requiring carbon dioxide emissions to be reduced in Florida by 26 percent.
“As a state representative it is my job to ensure that over burdensome regulations do not hurt Florida’s most financially vulnerable citizens,” Diaz said in the release. “It is also my job to push back against a regulation that was adopted by unelected bureaucrats who do not understand what the cost to Floridians will actually be.”
Under the proposed bills, no rules could be implemented in Florida that would limit or attempt to limit carbon-dioxide emissions from existing sources as a means to comply with the federal regulations until either Congress enacts legislation or a final court ruling upholds the legality of the plan.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the federal plan. The lawsuit was filed Oct. 23 in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.
by The News Service of Florida
Pictured: Gulf Power’s Crist plant in Escambia County. File photo.
Scott Moves To Keep Syrian Refugees Out Of Florida
November 17, 2015
Gov. Rick Scott wants to close Florida’s borders to additional refugees from Syria in the wake of Friday’s terrorist assault on Paris in which at least one of the attackers held a Syrian passport.
Scott advised U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in a letter Monday that the Florida Department of Children and Families, which receives federal funds, won’t assist efforts to relocate the up to 425 Syrian refugees destined to be resettled in Florida.
As the move doesn’t preclude federal officials from resettling Syrian refugees by working with local social-service agencies, Scott also asked in the letter for congressional leaders to prevent funding for such relocations to Florida or anywhere else within the U.S.
“As the federal elected body that exercises oversight and authorizes federal spending, please take any action available through the powers of the United States Congress to prevent federal allocations toward the relocation of Syrian refugees without extensive examination into how this would affect our homeland security,” Scott wrote.
Appearing on former Reagan administration official Bill Bennett’s radio show Monday, Ryan said he is looking for the “best legislative option we have” and has directed lawmakers to come up with recommendations to determine how to ensure terrorists won’t be able to mix with actual refugees.
“Look, we’ve always been a generous nation taking in refugees,” Ryan said. “But this is a unique situation. This is a situation where you have single men coming over, which is not women and children.”
Scott’s letter came as Republican presidential candidates questioned the nation’s Syrian refugee policy, governors in a number of other states announced they wouldn’t accept more Syrian refugees, and Florida U.S. Senate candidate Ron DeSantis quickly moved to infuse the refugee issue into next year’s Senate race.
“We have to err on the side of protecting the American people and we cannot run the risk of bringing terrorists into the United States,” DeSantis, a Republican from Northeast Florida, said in a release.
Also, state Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, and his son, state Rep. Matt Gaetz, R- Fort Walton Beach, offered support to Scott for any border-closing legislation.
The Gaetzes wrote in a letter that the terrorist attacks “in France underscore a stark reality — that no one anywhere is entirely safe from the murderous reach of ISIS and radical Islam. The president of France has called these attacks by ISIS against a civilian population ‘an act of war.’ European governments have closed or may close their borders. The increasing likelihood that mass migration of Syrian refugees may be infiltrated with terrorists makes it necessary that extraordinary vigilance be exercised before accepting this unplanned resettlement.”
The Gaetzes added that Florida has in the past “done its share” regarding refugees, but the “current circumstance is far more different and far more dangerous than any other time when we have been asked to open our borders and communities.”
Coordinated attacks by Islamic State, or ISIS, terrorists killed 129 people Friday in Paris and left hundreds injured.
An estimated 4 million people have left Syria due to its ongoing civil war, with many traveling to Europe. In September, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry pledged the United States would take in 15,000 Syrian refugees in the current fiscal year and another 85,000 the following fiscal year.
Florida has already received a little more than 100 refugees, according to the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration.
Scott is not alone in seeking to block Syrian refugees from his state. Governors in Arizona, Arkansas, Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Ohio and Wisconsin have also announced they will refuse to accept any more Syrians.
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who is running for president, said Sunday that U.S. aid should focus on Christians fleeing persecution in Syria.
“I think we need to do thorough screening and take in a limited number,” Bush said while appearing on the CNN “State of the Union” show. “There are a lot of Christians in Syria that have no place now. They’ll be either executed or imprisoned, either by (President Bashar al-Assad) or by ISIS. We should focus our efforts as it relates to the refugees for the Christians that are being slaughtered.”
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, also running for president and also appearing on a Sunday news show, ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” said that the U.S. “won’t be able to take more refugees.”
“It’s not that we don’t want to,” Rubio said. “It’s that we can’t.”
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
File photo.
Hayward Appointed To Volunteer Florida Commission
November 17, 2015
Gov. Rick Scott has appointed seven people to the Volunteer Florida Commission, including Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward.
Hayward, 45, fills a vacant seat and was appointed for a term that began November 13, 2015, and ends September 14, 2018.
Kerry Schultz, 40, of Gulf Breeze, is an attorney with Fountain, Schultz and Associates. She was reappointed for a term beginning November 13, 2015, and ending September 14, 2018.
The other appointees, all of which much be confirmed by the Florida Senate, are from across the remainder of Florida.
Volunteer Florida CEO Chester Spellman said, “Volunteer Florida is grateful for these outstanding appointments by Governor Scott. Volunteer Florida Commissioners are servant leaders who work every day to make Florida a better place to live, work, raise a family, and serve our neighbors. We look forward to continuing to work with our Commission to fulfill this mission.”
Escambia River Muzzle Loaders Make Donation To Escambia Fire Rescue
November 17, 2015
The Escambia River Muzzle Loaders stopped by the Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue with a donation Monday. They donated a turkey, spiral ham and $200 for the Escambia County Professional Firefighters Local 4131 burn fund charity. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rain Moves In Tonight
November 17, 2015
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after midnight. Some of the storms could be severe and produce heavy rainfall. Cloudy, with a low around 72. Breezy, with a southeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe and produce heavy rainfall. Temperature rising to near 74 by 8am, then falling to around 63 during the remainder of the day. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 52. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. North wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 48. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 70. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 45. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. North wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 55.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 37.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 60.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63.
International Paper Wins Water Stewardship Award For ECUA Partnership
November 17, 2015
International Paper in Cantonment was recognized as a leader in sustainability with a 2015 AF&PA Sustainability Award from the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA).
IP eceived the Leadership in Sustainability Award for water conservation efforts, specifically for their partnership with the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA). Designed to recognize exemplary sustainability programs and initiatives in the paper and wood products manufacturing industry, AF&PA’s annual sustainability awards are given based on the merit of entries received across multiple categories.
“By introducing the use of reclaimed water to displace freshwater consumption, International Paper is reducing its water use at its Pensacola mill and protecting the local ecosystem,” said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman.
Through the partnership, IP receives treated effluent from ECUA that it uses in its industrial processes. This allowed International Paper to reduce its freshwater consumption, while ECUA has found a beneficial outlet for its treated effluent.
“I would like to thank AF&PA for acknowledging our achievements at our Pensacola mill,” said International Paper Chairman & CEO Mark Sutton. “This project demonstrates our commitment to water stewardship in the communities where we live and work.”
Northview Cross Country Team Members Honored
November 17, 2015
Northview High School held their annual cross country banquet Monday night.
The following awards were presented:
- Fastest Female: Moria McGahan
- Fastest Male: Brandon Korinchak
- Most Improved: Tamara Barrows
- Jim Ross Memorial Award: Triston Reaves
- Junmi Ross Memorial Award: Moriah McGahan
- Coaches’ Award: Dalton Hadley
Pictured top: Junmi Ross Memorial Award winner Moriah McGahan, who was also named Fastest Female, and Jim Ross Memorial Award winner Triston Reaves. Pictured below: (L-R) Fastest Male Brandon Korinchak, Most Improved Tamara Barrows and Coaches’ Award winner Dalton Hadley. Pictured bottom: Coach Natalie Nall; seniors Tamara Barrows, James Ates, Triston Reaves, Moriah McGahan and Bethany Reynolds; and Coach Jesses Boone. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Lonnie Frank Sanders
November 17, 2015
Mr. Lonnie Frank Sanders, 77, passed away on Friday, November 13, 2015, in Robertsdale.
Mr. Sanders was a native and former resident of Atmore and has resided in Roberstdale for the past 12 years. Mr. Sanders was an employee of Van Pelt Dairy for 40 years and he was of the Baptist faith. He was a caregiver for his parents and preceded in death by them, Leon and Mercy Sanders; two brothers, Clarence and Roy Sanders; and three sisters, Velma Hendrix, Luverne Jones and Barbara Wood.
He is survived by his niece-daughter, Cathy Jones Morrow of Robertsdale; four great nephews who were like sons, Curtis Jones, Kenneth Jones, Colten Jones and Josh Perez all of Robertsdale; and one sister, Elbia Wood of Berrydale, FL.
Funeral services will be Thursday, November 19, 2015, at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Ricky Peebles officiating.
Burial will follow at the Moyeville Cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday, November 19, 2015 from 11:30 a.m. until service time at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Curtis Jones, Kenneth Jones, Colten Jones, Tommy Godwin, Terry Godwin and David Godwin.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Glenn Mardis Falkner
November 17, 2015
Glenn Mardis Falkner, 75 of Milton, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 16, 2015. He was born in Leeds, AL on September 8, 1940. He was a retired auto transporter and an avid outdoorsman, who loved hunting and fishing.
Glenn is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Ethel Falkner; his sister, Vernajean Falkner; and his son, Matthew Falkner.
He is survived by the mother of his children, Rebecca Hennington; daughters, Myra (Billy) Stevens of Clarksville, TN, Vicky (Ron) Geary of Cantonment, and Tracy (Jason) Bonifay of Cantonment; grandchildren, Amanda, Don, Jr., Michael, Christopher (Amanda), Morgan (Lake), Sarah, Colby, and Joe; and great-grandchildren, Starr, Richard and Aidan.
His daughters want to express a sincere thank you to all for the thoughts and prayers for their family.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2015, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Bro. Bill Flannigan officiating.
Burial will follow in Pensacola Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Pallbearers will be Jason Bonifay, Ronald Geary, Thaxton Langford, Christopher Geary, Edwin Morgan and Billy Stevens.
Honorary pallbearers will be Donald Ray Smith, Jr., Michael L. Smith, Colby Geary and Joseph Bonifay.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.