Winds Of Change — Much Colder
January 22, 2016
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Blustery, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. Wind chill values between 25 and 35 early. Breezy, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 27. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 53. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 35. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 63. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. South wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 62. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of rain. Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.
Scott Signs ‘Unique Abilities’, Water Policy Bills
January 22, 2016
Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday signed a trio of legislative leadership-backed bills that set statewide water policy and offer more educational and job opportunities to people with developmental disabilities.
Scott signed the bills in his office, ignoring calls by a number of environmental groups and former Gov. Bob Graham to veto the water measure.
“This is a great start to session,” Scott said while flanked by lawmakers including House Speaker Steve Crisafulli and Senate President Andy Gardiner. “We’ve started with things that are very important to the president, speaker and other members of the House and Senate. Everybody knows my priorities.”
All three bills, which go into effect July 1, were approved by the Legislature last week during the opening days of the 2016 legislative session.
The water policy measure (SB 552), a priority of Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, calls for establishing water-flow levels for springs and setting guidelines in central and south Florida
The measures focused on people with developmental disabilities have been championed by Gardiner, an Orlando Republican whose son has Down syndrome. One bill (HB 7003) is intended to provide job opportunities and financial independence for people with disabilities. The second bill (SB 672) includes programs that provide educational aid and higher-education opportunities to families whose children have developmental disabilities — or, as Gardiner calls them, “unique abilities.”
Pictured: Thursday, Governor Rick Scott was joined by Senate President Andy Gardiner, House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, their families, and other members of the Florida legislature to sign HB 7003 (Relating to Individuals with Disabilities), SB 672 (Educational Options) and SB 552 (Environmental Resources). Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
the road to the crown: Meet The Girls Part II (With Photos)
January 22, 2016
Today is part two of our annual multi-part series “the road to the crown” as we follow 18 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss NHS 2016″.
Today we introduce you to the second half of the contestants. Their biographies, as submitted by the girls, are below along with their photos. You can click any photo below to enlarge.
Our series “the road to the crown” will continue tomorrow. The pageant is Saturday night at 6:30, and NorthEscambia.com will have the new Miss NHS and all the pageant photos here Sunday morning.
Tickets will be available for $10 at the door. All proceeds will benefit the Northview Model United Nations Team and their annual competition in Orlando.
Alyssa Brianna Borelli
Alyssa is the 16-year old daughter of Anthony and Robyn Borelli. At Northview, she has been a member of the Beta Club for two years, a member of the NJROTC for three years, and a member of the math club for one year. While participating with NJROTC, she is the academic team captain, is on the color guard, and is on the drill team. She has been an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Star for two years and last year, was awarded five certificates of excellence in various classes. Alyssa was the 2014 recipient of the Stephen Decatur Award and won the 2015 Daughters of the American Revolution Medal. In her community, she is an active member of Highland Baptist Church.
Her hobbies include drawing, reading, and being with loved ones. Her future plans are to attend college where she will major in math.
After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, she wants to pursue a master’s degree in education and eventually become a math teacher.
Brianna Morgan Smith
Brianna is the 18-year old daughter of Juan and Jessica Jalomo. She has been a member of the student government association for three years, an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Star for two years, and a member of the Tribal Beat Marching Band for three years, where she currently holds the title of captain for the majorettes and is the featured twirler. She was the 2014 Talent Show winner, selected as Miss Spirit in the 2014 Miss NHS pageant, and was awarded Miss Tribal Beat Band in 2015. Brianna received a superior rating in both the District and State level of MPA’s in 2015. In her community, she is a member of the Greater Pensacola United States Bowling Congress Association where she has been a nine time All-Star. She is also a voting board member of the GPUSBCA and is a youth director with the Greater Pensacola Youth Leaders. Brianna has held the office of vice-president and president with the youth leaders association. She also volunteers her time with the Ronald McDonald House and participates in Bowl for a Cure.
Her hobbies include twirling, bowling, singing, dancing, choreography, and crafts.
Her future plans are to attend Florida State University and try out for the majorette line and the bowling team. She plans to major in elementary education and hopes to one day become a teacher.
Sarah Elizabeth Dutton
Sarah is the 18-year old daughter of Tracy and Dana Dutton. She has been a member of the Tribal Beat Marching Band for three years, where she participates in the color guard and has held the title of captain for the past two years. This year, Sarah received a rating of excellent in the MPA band competition. She has also performed with the NHS Musical Theater productions of Grease, Shrek—The Musical, Hairspray, and this year’s production of Into the Woods. In her community, Sarah attends Bratt First Baptist Church and has a part-time job as an apprentice for a floral designer.
Her hobbies include drawing, painting, and creative writing.
Her future plans are to attend college to become either an EMT or a pediatric nurse.
Catie Mae Clayton
Catie is the 15-year old daughter of Chris and Cathy Favorite. At Northview, she is a member of the varsity volleyball team, the varsity basketball team, and a member of the weightlifting team. Catie is a member of the Model United Nations Team, plays in the Tribal Beat Marching Band, and was awarded a position on the All-State band and the Auburn Honor Band. She fluently plays the clarinet, oboe, and bass clarinet and is working diligently to one day become drum major. Catie has played travel softball, where she received numerous MVP awards for travel team tournaments. In her community, she volunteers her time at Lee’s Veterinary Clinic.
Her hobbies include playing sports, singing, practicing her instruments, and helping with animals.
Her future plans are to attend a major university where she will obtain a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine. She also hopes to have a double minor in music and anthropology.
Jessica Kathryn Amerson
Jessica is the 18-year old daughter of Gary and Kayleen Amerson. She has been a member of the Tribal Beat Marching Band for four years where she plays the French horn, mellophone, trumpet, and piano. Jessica has also been section leader for four years, band captain for one year, and was awarded the title of assistant drum major for the current season. She has been a member of the Tribal Spirit Yearbook staff for three years and currently holds the title of co-editor. She has been a member of the Beta Club for three years, a member of the student government association for two years, is one of the founding members of the Model United Nations team, and was a member of the math team, where as a freshman she took 2nd place at competition. Jessica was the founder of the Battle of the Books team and has held the title of captain for three years. The team has won both a first and second place trophy at competition. She was elected historian of the freshman class, has been on the homecoming court for two years, has competed in the Sandy Sansing Spelling Bee for three years, and was first runner up in the 2014 Miss NHS pageant, where she also won the creative costume award and the scholastic award. Jessica has been a counselor at Camp Ondessonk for four years, has been full-time dual enrollment for two years, and directed the NHS Womanless Beauty Pageant, raising over $3000 to benefit a friend’s sick mother. She has also been on the Dean’s List at Pensacola State College for three semesters. Jessica is a National Merit Scholar semi-finalist, won the Ronald Reagan Leadership award, and won the President’s Volunteer Service Award, gold level, young adult.
Her hobbies include reading books of all kinds, but preferably fantasy or sci-fi, horseback riding, where she has taken six years of lessons in both Western and English style, and traveling. Jessica has been to 30 states and 16 countries.
Her future plans are to obtain her master’s degree in five years, with a dual major in civil engineering and material sciences. Jessica hopes to one day work for the National Park Service designing roads and walk ways to natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon and Old Faithful.
Hannah Grace McGahan
Hannah is the 14-year old daughter of Greg and Candy McGahan. At Northview, she is a member of the NJROTC program, a member of the cross country team, and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In her community, Hannah was selected to participate in the Pensacola Children’s Chorus and also won the youth volunteer award. She has written several original poems and had one published that took 2nd place in the director’s choice category.
Her hobbies include singing, reading, writing poetry and short stories, playing the guitar and violin.
Her future plans are to one day write and publish a book series and record an original song.
Amber Rene Freeman
Amber is the 18-year old daughter of Joe and Darcy Baillie. She has been a member of the Tribal Beat Marching Band for four years, where she plays the flute, a member of the musical theater program for four years, and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year. Amber had the lead role of Tracy, in last year’s production of Hairspray, has been a member of the Tribal Spirit Yearbook staff for one year, and a member of the glee club for one year. She has received a superior rating on her flute solo, was voted senior class parliamentarian, and has been awarded the Take Stock in Children Scholarship for the past six years. Amber has also been asked to sing the national anthem at football games and the annual Veteran’s Day program. In her community, she is an active member of Atmore Assembly of God, where she participates in the Kingdom Kids program.
Her hobbies include singing, reading, watching movies, especially romantic comedies, and making jewelry.
Her future plans are to attend Pensacola State College and earn her degree in synography. Afterwards, she hopes to become employed with a local hospital.
Madison Paige Weber
Maddi is the 17-year old daughter of Glenn and Darla Weber. At Northview, she has been a member of the Tribal Beat Marching Band for three years, where she was captain for one year, a member of concert band for four years, and a member of the musical theater program for four years. She was selected as the mascot her senior year, has been a member of the Beta Club for two years, where she currently serves as secretary, and a member of the student government association where she currently holds the office of treasurer. Maddi has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for three years, was voted junior class vice-president, and is the president of the senior class. She was one of the founding members of the Model United Nations Team, has been on the volleyball team for three years, was chosen as most talented in the senior class, and was selected to be part of the NHS Hall of Fame. Maddi received a superior rating in solo and ensemble for the trumpet and has been an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Star for three years. In her community, she is a member of the Grace Fellowship Worship team, works with Grace youth, works at the WeCare Thrift Store, and acts with the GECA community theater. Maddi has been a missionary to Africa, where she spent a month and a half in Tanzania, and also spent a week as a missionary in Nicaragua.
Her hobbies include playing the piano, acting, horseback riding, playing card games with friends, and voice impersonations.
Her future plans are to attend Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, where she will obtain a degree in English and intercultural studies. Maddi plans to move overseas to teach English with a mission’s organization.
Moriah Renee’ McGahan
Moriah is the 18-year old daughter of Greg and Candy McGahan. She has been a member of the weightlifting team for three years, a member of the Beta Club for three years, where she has served as treasurer and vice president, and a member of the NJROTC for four years where she currently holds the title of commanding officer. Moriah is a founding member of the Model United Nations team, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for three years, and a member of the musical theater program for three years. She has been a member of the track team for three years, a member of the cross country team for four years, where she was the recipient of the Junmi Ross award and holds the title of team captain, and a member of the Future Farmers of America for four years and has been the treasurer for the past two years. Moriah has been in the student government association for three years and has been the treasurer for one year, was selected to be in the NHS Hall of Fame, has been an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Star for three years, and was also selected to receive the Ronald Reagan Student Leader award. In her community, she volunteers her time with Loaves and Fishes, is an active member of Highland Baptist Church, where she participates with the youth band and choir, and is part of the American Sign Language group at Pensacola State College where she is the public affairs officer.
Her hobbies include running half-marathons, baking, practicing sign language, reading, and swing dancing.
Her future plans are to attend Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, to obtain her degree in legal studies and political science, with a minor in Bible studies. Upon graduation, she plans on entering the Marine Corps.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Jeep, Gasoline Tanker Collide In Cantonment (Updated Details)
January 21, 2016
[Update 7 pm] A crash between an 18-wheel tanker truck hauling gasoline and a Jeep caused traffic delays in Cantonment Thursday afternoon.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 35-year old Michael Jason Crabtree of Pensacola was northbound on Highway 29 and lowered his rate of speed and activated his turn signals to turn the tanker truck into a gas station. Troopers said 32-year old William Todd Barlow of Molino was northbound on Highway 29 in 2004 Jeep Wrangler collided with the truck’s trailer about 2:10 p.m.
The Jeep became lodged under the partially loaded tanker trailer. There were no injuries and no leaks. However, there was concern that the accident might have damaged a valve on the tank that would lead to gasoline leak when the vehicles were separated. At about 3:55 p.m., the vehicles were separated with no further fuel leakage.
Barlow was cited with careless driving, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.
ECUA Begins Work On Recycling Facility; Recyclables Currently Being Dumped
January 21, 2016
Recyclables from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties are continuing to be dumped in landfills with regular trash, but ECUA officials say they are working feverishly to establish process their own recyclables.
Work is now underway at the Perdido Landfill to construct a recycling plant with the plant expected to be complete by mid 2016, according to ECUA spokesperson Nathalie Bowers, providing a permanent solution to recycling woes. An official groundbreaking ceremony on the new facility is expected to occur in February.
“We are committed to recycling and will have this facility ready to go as soon as possible,” she said. In the meantime, ECUA customers in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties are continuing to receive recycling pickups as usual.
“We want customers to remain in the habit of separating their recyclables,” Bowers said.
After the flooding, closure and bankruptcy of West Florida Recycling in Pensacola, ECUA entered into a two year agreement with the Infinitus Energy Park (IREP) in Montgomery. Even with transportation costs, ECUA was making a net profit of a few dollars per ton off the deal.
After the center abruptly closed in October 2015, ECUA began transporting recyclable materials to Tarpon Paper Co. in Loxley, AL.
ECUA stopped transporting recyclables to Tarpon in December when they implemented a $12.50 per-ton tipping fee.
For now, all recyclables collected in Escambia County are being dumped in the Perdido Landfill, and the Santa Rosa County Landfill is receiving materials collected in that county.
“But we will be back soon with our own facility,” Bower said. “We can’t stress that enough as we encourage customers to continue to stay in the habit of separating their recyclables.”
No Serious Injuries In Highway 29, Molino Road Wreck
January 21, 2016
There were no serious injuries reported in a two-vehicle collision Wednesday night at the intersection of Highway 29 and Molino Road in Molino. The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Molino Stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.
Tate Names Students Of The Month
January 21, 2016
Tate High School has named Students of the Month for December. They are Brandon Pheabus and Grace Mills, pictured with Principal Rick Shackle. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Senators Raise Questions On Florida Gambling Deal
January 21, 2016
An aide to Gov. Rick Scott got a bipartisan grilling about a proposed $3 billion gambling deal with the Seminole Tribe, but the head of a Senate committee said Wednesday that the agreement may not get a vote before the 2016 legislative session ends in March.
Wednesday’s Senate Regulated Industries Committee meeting was the first public vetting of the deal, called a “compact,” since Scott and tribal leader James Billie signed it on Dec. 7.
The compact would allow the Seminoles to add craps and roulette to their casino operations in exchange for $3 billion in guaranteed payments to the state over seven years.
The compact also would permit, but does not authorize, slot machines in Palm Beach County and at a new facility in Miami-Dade County, limited blackjack at pari-mutuels in Broward and Miami-Dade counties and possibly doing away with horse and dog racing altogether while allowing pari-mutuels to maintain cardroom or slot-machine operations, a concept known as “decoupling.”
House and Senate leaders have said that the compact would have to be tweaked to get needed approval from the Legislature, which was evidenced by pointed questions from several members of the Regulated Industries Committee on Wednesday.
Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, raised concerns about the expansion of slot machines in Palm Beach County, one of six counties where voters have approved slots at local pari-mutuels. Latvala wanted to know why the other five counties were ignored.
“So regardless of the fact that Lee, Gadsden, Washington, Hamilton and Brevard have voted to allow slot machines, basically this compact you’ve negotiated said no, we don’t care. You’ve taken care of Palm Beach, but you haven’t taken care of the other counties, is that correct?” Latvala asked Jeff Woodburn, Scott’s policy director.
Pari-mutuels in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, just south of Palm Beach, already have slots, something a current deal with the Seminoles allows. Federal law requires that tribes have “exclusivity” regarding some aspect of gambling in order to justify revenue-sharing agreements with states.
“The market already has the competition in that county area” and there is currently no exclusivity in South Florida, Woodburn said.
The Seminoles don’t want to allow slots outside of the two South Florida counties but agreed to add Palm Beach County at the state’s insistence, Seminole Gaming Chief Executive Officer Jim Allen told the committee.
“It’s not to say that one particular county is right or wrong,” Allen said. “When you address this question, we have to … understand the economics that go with a $3 billion guarantee.”
Adding too many exceptions to the tribe’s exclusive rights to operate slot machines could cause the U.S. Department of the Interior to reject the agreement, Allen said.
“When will they say we have crossed the line where we no longer have exclusivity and are paying a $3 billion revenue share?” he said.
Scott’s aides negotiated the new compact with the tribe after a portion of a 2010 deal giving the Seminoles exclusive rights to operate banked card games, such as blackjack, expired. The Seminoles have sued over the card games, accusing the state of acting in “bad faith” about negotiations on a new gambling deal. They’ve asked a judge to allow the tribe to keep offering the card games. The state also filed a lawsuit seeking to stop the games.
The tribe is also alleging that Florida violated the 2010 compact by allowing certain types of card games at the state’s pari-mutuels. The tribe would drop the lawsuit if the compact is passed, Allen said.
Two Miami-Dade County lawmakers were skeptical about elements permitted by the proposed compact.
Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, objected to allowing the county’s pari-mutuels to add blackjack if voters approve the card games through a referendum. She pointed out that voters rejected slots in the county twice before finally voting in favor of the games.
She also rejected Woodburn’s contention that the compact would limit gambling in the state “when you offer a new license and the tribe is going to increase (gambling) by huge amounts.”
Unlike the current compact, the new deal would cap the number of slot machines, table games and live games — like craps and roulette — at the Seminole’s seven casinos, Woodburn said.
“Maybe it’s a cap, but it’s not limiting,” Flores said.
Sen. Gwen Margolis, D-Miami, said she was “disturbed” that the compact would allow another gambling operation in her county.
“This is a place that doesn’t need it,” she said. “You can’t move in traffic now and you can’t find a hotel room.”
Regulated Industries Chairman Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, joked that “we’ve got two ‘no’s” after Margolis and Flores were through.
“I would hate to dispute the chairman, but three,” Latvala retorted.
Scott’s deal with the Seminoles would deliver an additional $200 million to $413 million annually over eight years — up from the roughly $126 million a year the state receives under the 2010 agreement.
Wednesday’s hearing on the compact came a day after economists slashed next year’s overall projected state revenues by about $400 million. In response, Scott’s spokeswoman turned to the compact to help underwrite the governor’s priorities — $1 billion in tax cuts — although the extra money from the Seminoles wouldn’t be available until 2017.
Scott “remains confident” in his tax cut package despite the projected reduction in revenue because “recent estimates also show that if the Legislature chooses to adopt the Seminole compact the governor signed, it would bring in $2.3 billion over eight years,” his spokeswoman Jackie Schutz said in a statement Tuesday. The $2.3 billion number represents the increase over the amount raised through the expired compact.
Schutz’s comments weren’t lost on Bradley, the chairman of the Regulated Industries Committee, dubbed “Thunderdome” in homage to the on-screen arena for post-apocalyptic steel-cage brawls.
Bradley told reporters after the meeting that he hasn’t decided yet whether to put the compact into bill form yet.
Its future may rest in Scott’s hands, Bradley indicated.
Scott’s “involvement in this process is necessary if this is in fact going to become a reality,” he said.
The economic forecast Tuesday showing lower-than-expected state tax revenues may broaden the compact’s appeal for lawmakers as they craft the state’s budget, Bradley said.
“…Anything that can be impactful on the revenue side of the ledger, such as adding money from revenue sharing with the tribe, is a very important part of the discussion,” he said. “This all should be viewed through the lens of making the budget balance. I think that, as the revenue projections go down, it certainly does ratchet up pressure to take a serious look about whether we need these dollars in order to provide basic services.”
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
the road to the crown: Meet The Girls Part I (With Photos)
January 21, 2016
Today is part one of our annual multi-part series “the road to the crown” as we follow 18 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss NHS 2016″.
Today we introduce you to the first half of the contestants. Their biographies, as submitted by the girls, are below along with their photos. You can click any photo below to enlarge.
Our series “the road to the crown” will continue tomorrow with biographies and photos of the second half of the contestants. The pageant is Saturday night at 6:30, and NorthEscambia.com will have the new Miss NHS and all the pageant photos here Sunday morning.
Tickets will be available for $10 at the door. All proceeds will benefit the Northview Model United Nations Team and their annual competition in Orlando.
Jadlyn Skye Agerton
Jadlyn is the 17-year old daughter of Robert and Kristy Agerton. She has been a member of the varsity cheerleading team for three years, where she was chosen as a two time All-American. This year, Jadlyn cheered in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Last year, she received the top stunter award and was also awarded the Pin-it-Forward award at Auburn University where she attended cheer camp. She has been a member of the weightlifting team for four years and is currently the top lifter in her weight class. Jadlyn has also been a member of the Beta Club for three years, is industry certified in multiple Adobe programs, and works as a front office assistant at Northview. Jadlyn has been on the Homecoming court for two years, where she was chosen junior class maid and 1st runner up to the Homecoming Queen. She is an honor student who is dual enrolled in both high school and college. In her community, she helps coach the Northwest Escambia cheerleaders and is an active member of Moyeville Baptist Church. Jadlyn was also selected out of 75 girls in the surrounding area to represent Northview for Middleton’s Prom photo shoot.
Her hobbies include volunteering with the NWE cheerleaders and spending time with her family and friends.
Her future plans are to finish her Business Associates Degree at Faulkner State Community College where she will then transfer to Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. She has been accepted by “Take 5 Media Marketing Group” for an internship while attending UAF that will help her in the career she will be pursuing.
Peighton Danielle Dortch
Peighton is the 17-year old daughter of Adam and Hayley Dortch. She was a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team her freshman year, where she held the title of co-captain and has been a member of the varsity cheerleading team for two years. Peighton is also a two time All-American cheerleader. She has played junior varsity softball for one year and has been a member of the varsity softball team for two years. Peighton has been elected class treasurer for two years, is currently a member of the student government association, and has been selected as an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Star. In her community, Peighton is an active member of Walnut Hill Baptist Church.
Her hobbies include hunting, fishing, going to the beach, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend a local college where she will obtain her associate’s degree before transferring to Auburn University to become a neo-natal nurse.
Kayla Nicole Galvan
Kayla is the 16-year old daughter of Ricardo and Elvira Galvan. She has been a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team for one year, where she held the title of captain, a member of the junior varsity basketball team for two years, and a member of the junior varsity volleyball team for one year. She has been a member of the track team for one year, was elected treasurer of the sophomore class, and is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, where she currently holds the office of treasurer. She was selected as an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Star for one year, was awarded the highest academic average in her accounting class, and was also awarded the highest academic average award in physical science. In her community, Kayla is a member of Vision Church and participates in the worship team.
Her hobbies include singing, playing the piano and participating in sports.
Her future plans are to attend law school and one day become a defense attorney.
Morgan Alexis Myrick
Morgan is the 16-year old daughter of Michael and Brandy Myrick. She has been a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team for one year, and member of the varsity cheerleading team for two years, and a member of the track team for one year. Morgan has been selected to represent her class on the Homecoming court for three years and was voted sophomore and junior maid. She has been a member of the Tribal Spirit Yearbook staff for one year, has held the office of class historian for the three years, and has been a member of the student government association for three years and currently holds the office of vice president.
Her hobbies include cheering and spending time with her family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend Louisiana State University and obtain her degree in physical therapy. Morgan hopes to one day work for the Andrews Institute.
Bailey Marie Spann
Bailey is the 15-year old daughter of Jonny Spann and Amber Banda. She has been a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team for two years and was selected as an All-American cheerleader, where she cheered in the Walt Disney Thanksgiving Day Parade. She is a member of the student government association and a member of the softball team. As a freshman, Bailey was awarded the highest academic average in her english class. In her community, she is a member of 4-H, volunteers her time with the Boys and Girls Club, and is the five time undefeated regional dance champion. Bailey is also actively involved with her church praise team.
Her hobbies include singing, dancing, cheering, hunting, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend Auburn University where she will pursue a degree to become an anesthesiologist.
Ashtyn Brooke Carnley
Ashtyn is the 14-year old daughter of Eddie and Kristy Carnley. At Northview, she is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team. Ashtyn was chosen by her peers as the freshman class secretary and was also chosen to represent her class on the homecoming court, where she was selected as freshman class maid. In her community, she is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Bratt, where she sings in the choir and in the Lifesong band. She is a member of the Random Acts of Kindness group and is the youth representative for the family life center.
Her hobbies include singing, dancing, cheering, drawing, and exercising.
Her future plans are to become valedictorian of her class and then continue on to the University of Florida where she will earn her degree to become an anesthesiologist.
Sarah Elizabeth Perritt
Sarah is the 15-year old daughter of Scott and Elizabeth Perritt. At Northview, she is a member of the student government association, a member of the Model United Nations Team, and was the manager for the girls’ basketball team. Sarah was elected president of the freshman class, is an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Star, and has helped to improve the school’s maker-space program, all while maintaining a 4.15 GPA. In her community, she has volunteered her time at Baptist Hospital and attends Moyeville Baptist Church.
Her hobbies include knitting, crocheting, building in minecraft, playing guitar, and learning to play the piano.
Her future plans to attend a major university where she will obtain a degree to either become a nurse or a surgeon.
Brittanie Nichole McLemore
Brittanie is the 17-year old daughter of Robert and Brandie Ratcliff. She has been a member of the varsity cheerleading team for one year, a member of the weightlifting team for one year, and a member of the varsity volleyball team for one year. She has played softball for two years and is currently on the varsity softball team. In her community, Brittanie is an active member of Highland Baptist Church and is a leader in the youth group. She has also traveled to Guatemala on two different mission trips to care for orphans.
Her hobbies include playing sports, reading, watching movies, spending time with loved ones, and star gazing.
Her future plans are to attend a major university where she will obtain her degree. Brittanie hopes to one day work with animals.
Alayna Lauren Brown
Alayna is the 16-year old daughter of Donavon and Jennifer Brown. She has been a member of the Spanish club for one year, a member of the junior varsity softball team for one year, and a member of the junior varsity volleyball team, where she was the recipient of the Effort award. She is also a member of the Model United Nations Team, a member of the spirit club, and has earned her safe staff culinary certification. Alayna was also chosen as a member of the Chiefs summer softball team. In her community, she volunteers in the church nursery and is applying for a summer internship to be a counselor at Camp Ondessonk.
Her hobbies include running, playing the piano and the guitar, practicing volleyball, and watching her favorite TV show, Reign.
Her future plans are to graduate in the top ten of her class, with her associates degree, and then attend Auburn University where she was receive her master’s degree in veterinary medicine.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Florida Sheriffs Association Pitches Alternative To Open Carry
January 21, 2016
Florida sheriffs Wednesday proposed an alternative to a controversial bill that would let people with concealed-weapons licenses openly display firearms in public, but the proposal quickly drew opposition from Second Amendment advocates.
The Florida Sheriffs Association, which has opposed the open-carry measure, outlined proposed steps that would provide immunity to people who inadvertently or accidentally display firearms. However, a release from the association noted the proposal “stops short of Florida becoming a complete open-carry state.”
The Senate version of the bill (SB 300) has not been heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee. But committee Chairman Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, R-Miami, said Tuesday he’s likely to schedule the bill for a vote, saying, “I heard there may be some good amendments.”
On Wednesday, Diaz de la Portilla said he was still reviewing the sheriffs’ proposal, which the association said would protect permit holders from arrest for unintentionally displaying weapons in violation of state law.
The proposal would require that people intentionally and deliberately violate the law before they could be arrested. Also, it would take steps such as establish a presumption that concealed-weapons license holders are lawfully carrying guns; prohibit people from being convicted if they aren’t given a chance to explain possible violations of the law; and allow the expungement of arrest records under the law if people are found not guilty or charges are dismissed.
“Our proposal protects those who responsibly carry concealed and creates certainty in the law to prevent any unnecessary arrest and prosecution of gun owners who are otherwise following the law,” Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell, the association’s president, said in a prepared statement.
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, the association’s legislative chairman, added that the proposal “is a solid alternative to opening the door to full-blown open carry, which creates significant public safety challenges for law enforcement.”
But National Rifle Association lobbyist Marion Hammer quickly expressed disapproval with the proposed changes.
“My reaction to the sheriffs’ proposal is not only no, but hell no,” Hammer said. “They’ve had five years to do this, to correct problems they knew exist.”
A similar proposal was offered in 2011, and Hammer said her legal counsel advised her not to accept it because it wouldn’t stop abuse of people with concealed-carry licenses from being arrested for accidentally exposing guns.
“My attorney said don’t take that amendment because it won’t work,” Hammer said. “People have a constitutional right to keep and bear arms. The Constitution doesn’t say that the sheriffs get to say how.”
The release from the sheriffs association said the proposal seeks to address concerns expressed in committee meetings by Hammer and others about people with concealed-carry licenses being arrested for accidentally and unintentionally allowing guns to become visible.
“In announcing the proposal, the FSA (Florida Sheriffs Association) is asking the Legislature to consider an alternative proposal that closes the loopholes but balances public safety concerns,” the sheriffs’ release said.
Sean Caranna, executive director of the gun-rights organization Florida Carry Inc., described the sheriffs’ proposal as “woefully insufficient.”
“The FSA’s predictions of ’significant public safety challenges for law enforcement’ echo the cries of law enforcement in Texas and Oklahoma before licensed open carry went into effect in those states and in Mississippi when it became the 30th unlicensed open carry state,” Caranna said in an email. “After open carry became legal in those states, law enforcement officials have universally admitted that their fears about open carry passing was all much ado about nothing.”
The House’s open-carry proposal (HB 163) has already cleared the committee process and awaits a floor vote.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida