Piano Concert Tonight To Benefit Music Program At Molino Park Elementary
October 18, 2015
Molino Park Elementary School is partnering with the Gulf Coast Steinway Society to present a performance by Kadisha Onalbayeva to benefit the school’s music program. The performance will be held Sunday at 6:00 p.m. at Highland Baptist Church.
The performance will include a special performance by children who attend Molino Park Elementary School.
The Gulf Coast Steinway Society is a non-profit organization formed by Onalbayeva, Steinway & Sons NYC, and other individuals united in their devotion to strive to promote fine music through education and piano performance along the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi and Florida.
There is not a set admission price. Instead, donations will be welcome and will support the music program at Molino Park Elementary School. Highland Baptist Church is located at 6240 Highway 95A in Molino.
Fire Marshal Investigating After Cantonment Home Destroyed In Early AM Fire
October 17, 2015
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating an early morning fire in Cantonment.
The fire was reported by a neighbor just before 1 a.m. in the 3100 block of East Chipper Road. The approximately 2,300 square foot wood frame home was about 50 percent involved in fire when the first firefighters arrived on scene.
The home was reportedly unoccupied with no electricity connected.
The fire was reported to be out about 2:15 a.m. There was no immediate word on the cause of the blaze, and there were no injuries reported.
The Cantonment, Molino, McDavid and Ensley stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the fire.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Diane Lowery, click to enlarge.
Florida Bar Kills Controversial Out Of State Lawyer Proposal
October 17, 2015
Reacting to heated outcry from its members, the Florida Bar Board of Governors on Friday unanimously killed a proposal that would have allowed out-of-state lawyers to get licensed without taking the state Bar’s exam.
Florida Bar Kills Controversial Out Of State Lawyer ProposalBar leaders are hoping that the unanimous vote will help unite a legal community fractured over the controversial proposal, first floated by a committee that has since backed away from its recommendation that Florida adopt “admission by motion” for out-of-state lawyers, if they meet certain criteria.
About 40 other states allow some sort of admission by motion.
Also known as “reciprocity,” the issue drew fire from lawyers from small or individual practices, fearful that it would open the floodgates to competition in a state some believe already has a glut of attorneys.
Florida Bar President Ray Abadin ignited debate in June when he mentioned the proposal, the result of a two-year study, in a speech when he took over the helm of the organization. He’s been the target of personal attacks by lawyers who oppose the plan, including at least one who called for Abadin’s removal as president.
On Friday, Abadin — who was prohibited by Bar rules from voting on the issue — apologized to the Board for the consternation the proposal generated.
But, in a statement issued later Friday that echoed comments he made throughout the summer, Abadin credited the debate for getting Bar members involved.
“As lawyers, it’s our nature to analyze an issue, debate its merits and then determine the right path forward. The Florida Bar fostered a discussion among our members surrounding the issues of admission by motion/reciprocity, which is exactly what we set out to do at the beginning of this process,” he said. “Given Florida’s standing as one of the fastest-growing states in the country, we must work together to ensure legal professionals can stay competitive in today’s fast-changing landscape.”
This summer, Abadin issued a statement trying to quell concerns about the issue and launched a special email account to take comments from Bar members. The responses were overwhelming against the proposal.
The Bar president has maintained that he is neutral on the issue and has put a positive spin on the drama surrounding it.
“I’ve engaged the membership in a discussion. Done. Good,” Abadin told The News Service of Florida last month.
The rejection of the proposal indicates that Bar leaders heeded the concerns expressed by its members, said Jay Cohen, a member of the Florida Bar’s Board of Governors who also opposes admission by motion.
“What it really demonstrates more than anything else is that we are this very trusted and deliberative body. When we do come together, we consider all of the material, but especially what we hear from our members,” Cohen said in a telephone interview after the vote. “This should show the Florida Bar members that we continue to be that trusted body on these issues.”
But Lloyd Schwed, a Palm Beach Gardens lawyer who launched the campaign opposing the proposal, questioned the way that Bar leaders dealt with the issue.
Schwed was among those who criticized a Florida Bar survey sent last year to a fraction of the state’s lawyers in which a majority of respondents favored some form of admission by motion.
“The vote today certainly shows that the Board of Governors listened to the loud, angry protests from Florida lawyers. However, the whole way this was handled raises the issue of what was the Board of Governors doing these past two years to allow this to get this far, without even polling Florida lawyers. … How did that happen? Why did that happen?” Schwed said. “I’m very grateful to Jay Cohen and to the BOG for listening. But I hope in the future the Board of Governors will be much more careful about asking Florida lawyers for their opinions before they embark on major changes to the Bar.”
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Tate Aggies Head To Playoffs With Win Over Escambia (With Gallery)
October 17, 2015
The Tate High School Aggies are headed to the playoffs after a 35-14 win against Escambia Friday night.
The District 1-6A champion will be determined October 30 when Tate takes on the Pine Forest Eagles.
For the Aggies, quarterback Sawyer Smith found Jake Henry for three lengthy touchdowns of 73, 90 and 75-yards. Alondo Thompkins had two TD’s for Tate on an 80-yard pass and a 4-yard run.
For more game action photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Keith Garrison, click to enlarge.
Volunteers Lend A Hand During Day Of Caring
October 17, 2015
Over 1,375 volunteers from nearly 100 companies were hard at work Friday across Escambia County as part of the United Way’s annual Day of Caring on 84 projects at nonprofit agencies and schools.
In the North Escambia area, volunteers from the United Way’s “Loaned Executive” program volunteered at Bratt Elementary School. The group, comprised of executives from a number of companies and agencies, cleaned a huge number of donated books, looked them up and assigned “Accelerated Reader” (A/R) points for students to each book. Most of the boxes of books were donated to the school when an area daycare closed.
At Byrneville Elementary School, volunteers from Gulf Power worked with students on reading, math and science projects, and they rearranged storage areas. Volunteers from Publix worked on various projects at Tate High School, and Ascend Performance Materials volunteers worked to clean up the nature trail behind the school.
Day of Caring volunteers provided an estimated 8,725 hours of service valued at $201,286. Additionally, donations of materials, supplies and collections for wish-list drives will combine for several thousand more when added to the effort, according to organizers.
Pictured: Day of Caring volunteers clean, sort and label donated books at Friday morning at Bratt Elementary School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Earns Playoff Spot With Win Over Jay (With Gallery)
October 17, 2015
The Northview Chiefs earned a 1A playoff berth Friday night with a 7-0 win over the Jay Royals.
Now it comes down to one game against the Baker Gators October 30 at Northview to decide the District 1-1A title.
“It has been a difficult year for us,” Northview head coach Sid Wheatley said. “I am not used to this; I know the kids are not use to this, and our community is not use to this.”
With a season that opened against 6A teams, the Chiefs are 2-5 overall, but they are that all important 1-0 in the district after topping Jay.
“But how sweet and how great would it be….you’ve got all that you could ask for right now. Two weeks from tonight, we will be playing at home for a district championship. And if you can’t get excited about that….our record, you can throw that out the window. It’s all about district play, getting into the playoffs and just having a good shot.”
The only score of the night Friday came with 2:01 to go in the first quarter on a 15-yard run from Northview’s Gavin Grant. With a good kick from Seth Killam, the Chiefs took a 7-0 lead.
The Royals’ Victor Mishoe crossed the goal line with 1:34 to go in the fourth quarter on a five-yard quarterback keeper, but the score was called back due to a flag for a block in the back.
“For our defense to get a shutout was just tremendous,” Wheatley said, pointing out that the Royals scored 58 points last week against Cottondale.
Northview will be on the road next Friday night at Defuniak Springs to take on undefeated 4A Walton. Meanwhile, the Royals (1-7, 0-2) will travel to Rocky Bayou Christian.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
EREC Customers Warned Of Potential Telephone Scam
October 17, 2015
Escambia River Electric Cooperative is warnin members about a telephone scam.
A caller impersonates an EREC employee and says the member’s power will be disconnected for nonpayment if a credit card number is not provided for immediate payment.
EREC said employees will not call a member at home to obtain any personal information or ask for money while visiting a residence. EREC employees care identification badges with their pictures, name and the EREC logo.
Members may call at (850) 675-4521 or (800) 238-3848 with any questions regarding the identity of an EREC employee or representative.
Gulf Power company has also reported a similar scam.
Gulf Power advises their customers that:
• Gulf Power employees will never call a customer at home seeking any personal information, including credit card numbers.
• Gulf Power representatives will never ask a customer for money when they visit a residence.
• All Gulf Power representatives carry badges with picture identification that includes the employee’s name and the company’s name and logo.
Gulf Power customers should call the company at (800) 225-5797 if they have any questions about the identity of anyone representing Gulf Power.
Bratt Elementary Students Learn About Fire Safety
October 17, 2015
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue presented a fire safety program Friday at Bratt Elementary School. The students also had a chance to sit in a fire truck and ask questions about equipment. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Low To Mid 40’s Tonight
October 17, 2015
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 42. North wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 73. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 45. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 73. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 50. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph after midnight.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. East wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. East wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. East wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.
FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
October 17, 2015
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
- State Road (S.R.) 294 (Chief’s Way) from Corry Field Road to S.R. 295 (New Warrington Road) in Escambia County will be temporarily closed through Friday, Oct 23. The temporary closure will allow crews to perform shoulder construction and remove concrete pavement and replace with asphalt. Corry Field Road, West Navy Boulevard and New Warrington Road will be utilized as a detour route. Variable message boards are in place to alert drivers of the change in traffic pattern.
- U.S. 98 between Live Oaks Village shopping center and the Gulf Breeze Zoo in Santa Rosa County. Alternating lane closures from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16, through Thursday, Oct. 22. Crews will be placing the final layer of asphalt on the roadway and completing work list items.
- U.S. 98 (Pensacola Bay Bridge) from Bayfront to south of the bridge the outside southbound lane will be closed from 7:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15 for a 5K run.
- U.S. 90 (Mobile Highway) between Nine Mile Road and Edison Drive in Escambia County. Intermittent lane closures at the intersections and turn lanes from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18 through Wednesday, Oct. 21 as crews refurbish pavement markings. Traffic flaggers will be on site to assist with traffic control.
- I-10 (Escambia Bay Bridge). Alternating lane closures on the bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18 through Tuesday, Oct. 20 as crews remove and replace pavement markers.
- Nine Mile Road from west of I-10 to Heritage Oaks Drive in Escambia County. Eastbound lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning Monday, Oct. 19 through Friday Oct. 23 as crews perform construction activities.
- S.R. 727 (Fairfield Drive) between Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) and N. Palafox (S.R. 95/U.S. 29) in Escambia County. The right and center turn lanes will be closed intermittently from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19 through Friday, Oct. 23 as crews refurbish pavement markings in the intersection. Traffic flaggars will be on site to assist with traffic control.
- I-10 east and westbound between the Escambia Bay Bridge and S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) in Santa Rosa County. Alternating lane closures Sunday, Oct. 18 through Thursday, Oct. 22. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews place concrete barrier wall and striping.
- I-10 at the I-110 overpass in Escambia County. East and Westbound intermittent lane closures from 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 to 5 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 as crew perform routine maintenance work.
- U.S. 98 between the Gulf Breeze Zoo and Okaloosa County line in Santa Rosa County. Striping operations began Thursday, Oct. 8. Motorists may encounter minor delays and intermittent lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Friday, Oct. 30 as crews restripe side roads, major intersections, and the mainline. Slow moving vehicles will be used to perform the work.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge. Alternating lane closures will take place in the east and westbound lanes, Monday, Oct. 19 through Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. as crews repair lighting.
- ECUA will inspect their sanitary sewer system on Garden Street beginning Sunday, Oct. 18. Lane closures will take place the following dates and locations from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18 to Tuesday, Oct. 20 the westbound outside lane closed between Devillers Street and Spring Street. Tuesday, Oct. 20 to Wednesday, Oct. 21 the eastbound outside lane closed between Devilliers Street and Baylen Street. Wednesday, Oct. 21 to Thursday, Oct. 22 the eastbound inside lane closed at the Rues Street crossover. Thursday, Oct. 22 to Friday, Oct. 23 the eastbound outside lane closed at Baylen Street.
Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone.
All planned construction activities are weather dependent and may be re-scheduled in the event of inclement weather.