Jeff Miller Won’t Seek Re-election
March 11, 2016
Congressman Jeff Miller has announced that he will not seek re-election. Here is his statement, in his own words:
Fifteen years ago when Vicki and I were praying about running for Congress, we could have never imagined what may lie ahead. As we made our decision, we knew there would come a day when it would be time to pass the torch. That day has come, and I am announcing I will not seek reelection to Congress.
I am deeply humbled that the good people of Northwest Florida have chosen me to be their voice in the halls of Congress for nearly a decade and a half. The confidence and support the voters of the First District have placed in me are honors I have never taken for granted. I will be forever grateful for the trust, encouragement, and love my constituents have shown to Vicki and me.
As the first Republican Member of Congress to take the oath of office after the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001, the safety and security of this country have never left my mind. I sought positions on the Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs Committees – two places where I felt I could best represent my district and make a difference for the entire Nation.
I’ve been blessed with many successes during my time in Congress. There are now two “new” VA Clinics serving the veterans of the First District, including the Joint Ambulatory Care Clinic, which was the prototype for many others around the country. After a host of powerful storms, including a 2004 Hurricane named Ivan, we worked together to rebuild our community time and again. When the Deepwater Horizon disaster affected the Gulf of Mexico and its surrounding communities, we passed the RESTORE Act, which will help our community recover for years to come. And after exposing VA’s delays in care and accountability crises, we wrote and passed the most significant reform bill in the history of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Some of our greatest successes, however, are unknown to most. Things like cutting through red tape to help a widow, assisting a veteran with a disability benefits compensation claim or mediating a bureaucratic dispute for a constituent rarely make front-page news. But they are important responsibilities every member of Congress has a duty to fulfill. Thanks to my dedicated staff, a group that has always understood the importance of providing first-rate constituent services, we have made a positive difference in the lives of thousands of our neighbors.
There is still more to accomplish before I depart. I intend to complete my tenure as House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs chairman while maintaining the same robust oversight of VA that has defined my chairmanship. As we approach the markup and consideration of the annual Defense Authorization Bill, I will do everything in my power to ensure our Armed Services remain the finest and most equipped fighting force in the world. And in an ever dangerous world, I will continue my service on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
When it comes time to elect a new U.S. Representative for the First District, I have every confidence that Northwest Floridians will choose someone who embodies the integrity, optimism, and values of the people of our great community. And when I return home to Chumuckla at the conclusion of my time in office, I will do so with a deep love of this Country and a strong belief that her best days are not behind her, but yet to come.
Roundup: Wins For Tate, Northview
March 11, 2016
BASEBALL
Tate 12, Escambia 0
The Tate Aggies beat the Escambia Gators Thursday 12-0.
The Aggies never trailed after a three run second. The Aggies added another four runs in the fifth and five more in the sixth for the win.
Jake Davis struck out six for the Aggies in five innings of shutout ball, allowing just four hits.
Tate hitters – Reid Halfacre 3-4, RBI, 2 runs, double; Mason Land 2-4, 2 runs; Cole Halfacre 2-4, 4 RBIs; Hunter NeSmith 1-3, 3 runs; Madison Lockman 1-2; Trevor Hoffman 1-1; Logan Blackmon 1-3, run; Josh Barnes 1-1, RBI;
Northview JV 8, West Florida freshmen 4
The Northview JV baseball team defeated the West Florida freshman team tonight, 8-4.
The Jaguars scored first to take a 1-0 lead, but the Chiefs scored 4 runs in the 2nd and 2 runs in the 3rd to take a 6-1 lead. The Jaguars cut the lead to 6-3 in the top of the 4th inning, but the Chiefs responded with two runs of their own to go up 8-3. West Florida added one more run in the top of the 5th.
Leading hitters for the Chiefs were Jackson Moore (2-3, 3B, 2 RBI), Sam Stott (2-3, 2B, 2 RBI, 1 run), John Chivington (2-3, 1 run), Heath Sheldt (2-3, 1 run), MJ Jones (1-3, 1 RBI, 1 run), Seth Killam (1-2, 1 RBI), Cade Allen (1-2, 1 run) and Jason Fischer (1-2, 2B, 1 RBI, 1 run). Alex McMinn scored 2 runs for the Chiefs.
Seth Killam earned the win on the mound, throwing a complete 5 innings, striking out 9 batters while allowing 7 hits.
The Northview JV baseball team defeated the West Florida freshman team tonight, 8-4.
The Jaguars scored first to take a 1-0 lead, but the Chiefs scored 4 runs in the 2nd and 2 runs in the 3rd to take a 6-1 lead. The Jaguars cut the lead to 6-3 in the top of the 4th inning, but the Chiefs responded with two runs of their own to go up 8-3. West Florida added one more run in the top of the 5th.
Leading hitters for the Chiefs were Jackson Moore (2-3, 3B, 2 RBI), Sam Stott (2-3, 2B, 2 RBI, 1 run), John Chivington (2-3, 1 run), Heath Sheldt (2-3, 1 run), MJ Jones (1-3, 1 RBI, 1 run), Seth Killam (1-2, 1 RBI), Cade Allen (1-2, 1 run) and Jason Fischer (1-2, 2B, 1 RBI, 1 run). Alex McMinn scored 2 runs for the Chiefs.
Seth Killam earned the win on the mound, throwing a complete 5 innings, striking out 9 batters while allowing 7 hits.
The Chiefs improved to 8-1 and return to action Monday night at Central.
SOFTBALL
Tate 15, Escambia 3
The Tate Aggies beat Escambia 15-3 Thursday night.
Savannah Rowell pitched the win for the Aggies in seven innings, allowing just three runs, four hits and striking out 12. At the plate, Rowell also delivered a grand slam for the Aggies.
Tate hitters – Hannah Brown 2-2, RBI, run; Savannah Rowell 2-4, grand slam, 5 RBIs; S. Ulrich HR, RBI.
Baker 3, Northview 2
The Baker Gators came out on top of the Northview Chiefs in Baker 3-2.
Batting for the Chiefs: Laurie Purdy: 3-3 with 3 singles and 1 RBI. Tori Herrington: 1-4 with a single and a run. Aubree Love: 1-4 with a double and a run. Lydia Smith: 1-3 with a single and a stolen base. Daphne Young: 1-2 with a single and a walk. Brittany McLemore: 0-3with an RBI.
The Chiefs will host Chipley Friday night at 5:00.
Pictured: NHS JV action from Thursday. NorthEscambia.com photos by Ramona Preston, click to enlarge.
George Thomas Van Pelt
March 11, 2016
George Thomas Van Pelt, 83, passed away on Monday, March 7, 2016, in Pensacola. He was born in Henderson, Texas on October 30, 1932.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James Lester and Geraldine Van Pelt; and wife of 49 years, Elizabeth Barnett Van Pelt.
He is survived by his two sons and their spouses, George T. Jr. and Michelle Van Pelt of Orange Beach, Stephen L. and Christie Van Pelt of Walnut Hill; grandchildren, Caroline Van Pelt Gardner and husband Levi Gardner, Michael Van Pelt, Bradley Van Pelt, Bailey Van Pelt and Bentley Van Pelt. He is also survived by his brother and sisters-inlaw, James and Doris Van Pelt of Walnut Hill and Dianne Barnett Rose of Atmore.
The family moved to Pensacola in the 1930’s. George graduated from Pensacola High School, attended Texas A&M University and finished college at Auburn University before serving as a United States Marine Corp officer. After his time in the service, he moved to the dairy farm in Walnut Hill that he operated with his brother.
George was very active in the Atmore First United Methodist Church where he served in many capacities. He also served on the Farm Credit of North West Florida’s Board of Directors, as a 4-H Camp Trustee and board member of the Pensacola Interstate Fair.
A memorial service was held at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore on Friday, March 11, 2016.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Marian Fillingim Mobley
March 11, 2016
Marian Fillingim Mobley joined her Lord on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at the age of 77. Marian was raised in Molino where she lived most of her life and raised her family on the same property where she grew up. She truly loved the Lord and worshiped Him at Lathram Chapel United Methodist Church and later at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. This loving mother and wife of 52 years cherished her family, was passionate about local history and genealogy, and loved gardening, cooking and crocheting. She retired from the U. S. Postal Service where she served the Cantonment and Molino areas for many years.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Glen; her parents, A.J. and Cora Fillingim; son, Gregory; brother, Jack; and sister, Lillian.
She leaves behind to mourn her passing, her son, Robert (Amy); daughter, Mary Bishop (Darrel); grandchildren, Joshua, Nicholas, Matt, Sara, and Marina Mobley and Nathan and Nolen Bishop; sister, Maxine Smith; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
The family would like to thank Dr. Shadi Oweis and the staff at Davita for the compassionate care shown to her over the last few years.
Services will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2016, at Faith Chapel North with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. followed by funeral services at 2 p.m.
Burial will be at Aldersgate Cemetery on Highway 95A in Molino.
Pallbearers will be John, David and Ted King, Alan Smith, Dustin Harvey, and Nathan Bishop.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Helen Dean Pious
March 11, 2016
Helen Dean Pious, age 80, of Pensacola, was called home March 7, 2016. She was born in Pensacola on September 8, 1935, to the late Lucius and Eva Dean. Helen is fondly remembered for her service as a Licensed Practical Nurse, as well as her volunteer efforts with those under hospice care. She was known for her affinity for all forms of fine art and music. Helen had a particular talent for drawing and sketching.
She is preceded in death by her cherished husband, Warren Pious; son, Warren Joseph Pious; and her parents.
She is survived by her daughter, Margaret (James) Kendrick; son, Micheal E. Riggins; and daughter, Helene Pious of Punta Gorda, FL; grandchildren, Simario Pious, Jessica Kendrick, Lance Nawahine of Punta Gorda, FL, Dedrick Pious of South Carolina, Nicole Kendrick of Portland, OR, and Adorian Pious of Pembrook Pines, FL; great-grandchildren, Simariah Pious, Tristyn Roberts, and Vincente Raymond; brother, Lucius C. Dean, Jr.; sisters, Mary T. Simmons and Joanne D. Boller; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until services begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, 2016, at New Dimensions Christian Center, 3500 W. Navy Blvd in Pensacola.
Interment will be Monday, March 14, 2016, at 11:45 a.m. at Barrancas National Cemetery where she will be placed with her husband.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South is entrusted with arrangements.
Donna Marie Lambeth
March 11, 2016
Donna Marie Lambeth, age 48, of Brewton, passed away on March 4, 2016, at Santa Rosa Medical Center due to a short illness.
She is preceded in death by her father, Albert Lambeth and nephew, Albert Lambeth Jr. (AJ).
She is survived by her son, Lee Candido Morena (age 6); mother, Effie Lee Lambert; Donald Greg (Lisa) Lambeth, Clayton (Bertha) Lambeth, and Danny Madden and sister, Sandra Lambeth. Donna was blessed with six nephews and five nieces.
Memorial services honoring the life of Donna Marie Lambeth will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2016, at 2 p.m. at Jay Funeral Home.
Leslie Lynear Morgan
March 11, 2016
Mr. Leslie Lynear Morgan, age 68 of Century, passed away on Saturday, March 5, 2016, at Sentara Hospice House in Virginia Beach, VA.
Mr. Morgan was a native of Pensacola and a member of the Byrneville community for 51 years. He was retired from the United States Navy with service in aviation maintenance. While in the military he earned numerous medals and he was a member of the Blue Angel Alumni. He was a member of Byrneville United Methodist Church.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Donna Marie Beckwith Morgan.
He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer (Zeb) Gosik of Virginia Beach, VA and Karen (James) Jernigan of Brewton; brothers, Ronald Morgan and Henry Morgan, both of Byrneville; six grandchildren, Andrew Hammond, Ashley Hammond, Autumn Jernigan, Austin Jernigan, Cooper Gosik and Ella Gosik.
Funeral services were held on Friday, March 11, 2016 at Byrneville United Methodist Church with Rev. Robert Barrow officiating.
Interment was in Byrneville Methodist Cemetery with full military honors.
Pallbearers were Jason Morgan, Tyler Morgan, Christian Morgan, Deryl Hadley, Levi Brooks, Dalton Hadley.
In lieu of flowers, donations or contributions may be made to the Byrneville United Methodist Church.
Flomaton Funeral Home Directing.
Cantonment Opening Day Postponed
March 11, 2016
UPDATE: Due to weather, Opening Day has been postponed until April 2.
Baseball returns Saturday to the Cantonment Sportsplex after a three year absence. Opening Day is Saturday beginning at 8 a.m.
Everyone in Cantonment and surround areas are invited to attend for a day full of fun activities and baseball.
Additional activities include a dunking booth, bounce house and more. There were be team fundraisers, including a fish fry and pizza for lunch.
The opening day schedule is as follows:
United Way Tornado Relief Supplies Head To Century
March 10, 2016
United Way of Escambia County began moving in-kind donated supplies to Century on Wednesday for distribution beginning today in Century.
United Ministries will use funding provided by United Way to assist family and will also distribute supplies to as many impacted by the February 15 Century tornado as possible on Thursday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Pilgrim Lodge Baptist Church at 7000 Jefferson Avenue.
Healthy Start will use minimal funding from United Way to help extend hours and distribute supplies at the Healthy Start Century office at 511 Church Street, Monday-Thursday of each week from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. while supplies last.
Items available in Century will include $6,600 worth of toiletries, paper and plastic goods, cleaning supplies, baby items, drinks and more; plus $1,375 in gift cards.
For more local tornado recovery information, click here for a previous story.
Pictured: The first load of United Way items for Century tornado victims leaving Pensacola Wednesday. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘Shacking Up’ Ban Headed To The History Book; Local Lawmaker Disagrees
March 10, 2016
It soon could be legal to shack up in Florida.
The state House on Wednesday approved repealing a law dating to 1868 that makes it a crime for men and women to live together if they are not married.
With the Senate passing the bill (SB 498) last week, the measure is ready to go to Gov. Rick Scott. The House approved the bill in a 112-5 vote, with five Republicans — Janet Adkins of Fernandina Beach, Brad Drake of Eucheeanna, Mike Hill of Pensacola Beach, Jennifer Sullivan of Mount Dora and Charles Van Zant of Keystone Heights — dissenting.
None of the opponents of the bill commented on the House floor Wednesday.
“You have to ask yourself, would you want you children to live together with others or prefer to see them married. Marriage was mostly certainly the original intent of the law,” Hill told NorthEscambia.com. “I don’t subscribe to popular opinion that it becomes the accepted norm that makes it right because that’s the way society has evolved.”
“When you take a look at the state of Florida, and the nation in general, as to how many people live together while not married, to have a law on the books that says it’s illegal just doesn’t make good sense,” said Rep. Richard Stark, a Weston Democrat who is one of the sponsors of the repeal.
Stark said the issue affects seniors, as well as younger singles.
“I represent communities of seniors, where a lot of them are technically not married,” he said. “They are living together, but it makes more sense financially or for whatever reason like Social Security to not be married. I don’t think that they want to be considered to be violating the law.”
House and Senate staff analyses said the law originally went into effect in 1868 and makes it a second-degree misdemeanor for men and women to “lewdly and lasciviously associate and cohabit together” without being married.
The analyses said Florida, Michigan and Mississippi are the only states that make cohabitation illegal. Seven other states — Arizona, Idaho, Maine, New Mexico, North Dakota, Virginia, and West Virginia — have repealed similar laws in recent years, while a court struck down a North Carolina law, the House analysis said.
Such laws have rarely been used to bring criminal charges, but the House analysis said the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation used the law in 1979 during a civil proceeding to suspend a liquor license.
During a committee meeting in September, Van Zant pointed to religious objections to the repeal.
“Who are we to say that we do not at least fear God?” he asked.
by Jim Saunders and Tom Urban, The News Service of Florida with contribution from NorthEscambia.com