Board Of Governors Confirms Saunders As Next UWF President
November 4, 2016
The Board of Governors confirmed Dr. Martha Saunders as the sixth president of the University of West Florida, effective Jan. 1, 2017, during its quarterly meeting held Thursday at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. Saunders will replace Dr. Judy Bense, who will retire as UWF President on December 31.
In September, the UWF Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution to recommend Saunders as president-elect, contingent upon the completion of a successful background screen and subject to confirmation by the Board of Governors as outlined in the State University System regulations.
Saunders currently serves as provost and executive vice president for UWF. In this role, she functions as the University’s chief academic officer and vice president for the Division of Academic Affairs, as well as the chief operating officer with oversight over all University divisions. She was previously a faculty member and administrator at UWF from 1984-2002.
This will be Saunders’ third time leading a university. She served as chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater from 2005 to 2007 and president at the University of Southern Mississippi from 2007 to 2012.
Saunders began her career at UWF in 1984 as a professor in the Department of Communication Arts, where she then became coordinator of the Public Relations Program. She also served as director of the University Honors Program and associate dean of the College of Arts and Social Sciences from 1996 to 1999. In 2000, she was named dean of the UWF College of Arts and Sciences.
She received a bachelor’s degree in French from the University of Southern Mississippi, a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Georgia and a doctorate in communication theory and research from Florida State University.
Fall Carnivals At Molino Park, Jim Allen And Beulah Elementary Schools
November 4, 2016
The annual Molino Park Elementary School Fall Carnival will be held from 4-7 p.m today at the school with everyone’s favorite games and activities. There will also be entertainment and plenty of food.
The annual Jim Allen Elementary School Fall Carnival will be held from 3-6 p.m. today. There will be food, games, and prizes, as well as a dunking booth and a prize giveaway. Tickets and wristbands will be sold during this event. All proceeds from ticket sales and food will benefit the school. The community is welcome to attend.
The annual Beulah Elementary School Fall Carnival will be Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. to raise funds for programs such as Accelerated Reader and Red Ribbon Week. The theme for this year is “Super Heroes” with heroes on hand from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Beulah Volunteer Fire Department and more. There will also be a bounce house inflatable obstacle course, game booths, a variety of food. There is also a food drive…every family that brings nonperishable food items will receive five free punches.
Pictured: Last year’s Molino Park Elementary School Fall Carnival. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Warm Today, Dry And A Bit Cooler For The Weekend
November 4, 2016
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 78. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 49. Calm wind.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 75. East wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 51. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. East wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 77.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 77.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.
Pearl Harbor Survivor To Speak At Molino Branch Library On Saturday
November 4, 2016
Francis L. Emond was lined up with his fellow Navy members for morning colors on December 7, 1941, when he watched the ships in front of him sink in the attack on Pearl Harbor.
This Saturday at 1:30 p.m., Emond, 98, will be sharing his memories of the day and answering audience questions in a presentation at the Molino Branch Library. The free event, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, is being planned in conjunction with the Molino Mid-County Historical Society. The University of West Florida Historic Trust will also provide a display of reproductions of WWII uniforms and other memorabilia for the event.
Pictured top: Emond was recently interviewed at the Molino Museum for The Library of Congress History Project. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FDLE Supervisor Charged With Sexually Assaulting Two Young Boys
November 3, 2016
A Florida Department of Law Enforcement agent has been arrested for repeatedly sodomizing and sexually abusing two 8-year old boys.
Charles Calvin McMullen was arrested by the Major Crimes Division of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office on two counts of sexual battery on a victim under 12 and two counts of lewd lascivious behavior victim less than 12 years old.
His arrest came after deputies with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Santa Rosa Kids House where the Department of Children and Families was working on a case involving an 8-year old boy. The boy told investigators that McMullen had been touching him inappropriately on a frequent basis, according to an arrest report.
When DCF contacted McMullen about the allegations, he “began to cry”, the report states.
Another 8-year old boy made a similar allegation, also claiming he was forced to touch McMullen. Neither child knew of the allegations made by the other.
McMullen denied the allegations against him. He remains in jail with bond set at $300,000 and has been placed on administrative leave from FDLE.
McMullen investigated similar cases during his five year employment with the FDLE. He previously worked as Chief of the Cybercrimes Unit for then-Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum and for the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office.
Pictured top: Charles Calvin McMullen. Courtesy WEAR 3. Pictured below: McMullen chats online as a teenage girl during a Florida Attorney General demonstration in 2007.
Gulf Power: New Year Will Bring Lower Electricity Prices
November 3, 2016
Gulf Power customers are expected to see slightly lower monthly bills after state regulators on Wednesday approved fuel costs for the coming year. The Pensacola-based Gulf Power said average residential customers will see their bills go from $148.64 to $144.01.
“This price decrease is great news for our customers, especially as we head into the cold winter months,” said Jeff Rogers, Gulf Power spokesperson. “And because Gulf Power employees have been working hard toward a more balanced energy mix, our customers are able to take advantage of lower fuel prices now, and into the future.”
Every year, the Florida Public Service Commission adjusts Gulf Power’s prices to reflect cost changes in fuel, environmental controls and energy conservation programs.
This decrease comes on the heels of a price increase request to continue to invest in the reliability of Northwest Florida’s energy infrastructure. In October, Gulf Power requested that the Florida Public Service Commission conduct a public review of their prices and a proposed increase that would begin in July 2017. The last time customers saw a price increase was in January 2015, and when compared to those prices, the average residential customer’s monthly bill in July 2017 would increase by only $2.50 per month or less than 2 percent.
“If approved, that requested investment would help secure long-term reliability, continue smart grid improvements, and bolster our goal of achieving a balanced energy mix,” said Rogers. “Along with that request, we’ve asked for approval of new customer rate options designed to make bills more predictable, and greater customer conveniences including an improved online experience, additional payment locations at popular stores and payment kiosks in business offices.”
Mostly Sunny And Warm, But A Cooler Change Is Coming
November 3, 2016
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 81. Light northwest wind becoming north 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 50. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 76. Light northeast wind becoming east 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 47. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 49. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 80.
Trump: ‘I Love This Area’, Going To Win Florida And White House
November 3, 2016
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump brought his message to Pensacola Wednesday night, an area in which he said his campaigns carries overwhelming support.
“In six days, we are going win the great state of Florida, and we are going to win the White House,” Trump said to rousing applause from the estimated six thousand people in a packed house at the Maritime Park Hunter Amphitheater.
Trump said he has immediate plans to repeal Obamacare once elected.
“Change begins with immediately repealing and replacing Obamacare,” Trump said. “It’s just been announced that the residents Florida…are going to experience massive, double-digit premium hikes…I want you to leave happy tonight knowing that we are going to make America great again.”
He also spent part of his 40 minute speech addressing the FBI investigation into Hillary Clinton’s private email server during her tenure as secretary of state.
“Hillary wants to blame everyone else for her mounting legal troubles but she has no one to blame but herself. She set up the illegal email server to hide her criminal activity,” he said.
Trump also offered his thoughts on a couple of key local issues — the Blue Angels and the Pensacola Bay Bridge.
“We will ensure the Blue Angels continue to inspire. I love those guys, I love the Blue Angels,” he said. He also said the Pensacola Bay Bridge should be replaced.
Trump said he loves the Pensacola area.
“It’s a great honor to be with you tonight. It’s a great area. This is an amazing area,” Trump said.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview NJROTC Annual Inspection Held (With Photo Gallery)
November 3, 2016
Northview High School’s NJROTC Annual Inspection was held Wednesday at the school, with cadets undergoing face to face scrutiny with a retired Navy commander.
Commander Merlin Ladner, USN (Ret) conducted the inspection. The day’s events began with a personnel inspection, drill demonstration and a pass-in-review in the school gym. The commander also conducted a financial record review, briefings, administrative inspections, supply inspections and more.
One by one, Cmdr. Ladner went face to face with each cadet, asking them questions about their NJROTC experience and conducting a complete inspection of their uniform.
“Yes, sir,” the cadets answered as they faced the questions about their NJROTC service, their ribbons, the shine on their shoes and some less than expected questions about every day life and football that left some cadets trying not to crack a smile.
“Who pressed your uniform?” Ladner asked one cadet.
“My mother,” the cadet responded.
“You should have pressed your own uniform,” Ladner replied. “But your mom did a good job.”
“This is a great program” said Ladner, who conducts annual inspections at dozens of high schools in the Southeast, told the entire group following his inspection. “I want you to know how proud I am of you. You have set the benchmark for other programs this year.”
Northview’s NJROTC is under the command of Senior Naval Science Instructor Captain Charlie Code and Chief Jeffrey Simpkins. The unit is led by Company Commander Cadet LCDR Sara McCreary and Executive Officer Cadet LT Alyssa Borelli.
For a photo gallery from the inspection, click here.
Several cadets were promoted during Wednesday’s review:
For a photo gallery from the inspection, click here.
Pictured: Northview High School’s NJROTC Annual Inspection Wednesday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Three Injured In Highway 4, Munson Road Crash
November 3, 2016
Three people were injured in a 3:25 p.m. crash Wednesday at the intersection of Highway 4 and Munson Highway in northern Santa Rosa County
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 62-year old Robert Gail Rinehard of Milton was westbound on Highway 4 when he attempted to make a U-turn in the intersection of Munson Highway. Rinehard’s Chevrolet Silverado collided with with an eastbound Mercury Sable driven by 84-year old Jerry Edward Carroll of Fort Walton Beach.
Carroll swerved his vehicle in an attempt to avoid the collision and left the roadway. The car continued into a roadway marker sign post, vaulted off the top of a drainage structure and became airborne over a ditch before landing on Munson Highway and colliding with a Chervrolet Tahoe driven by 35-year old Robyn Gwen Hardy Enfinger of Milton.
Enfinger and Carroll were seriously injured, while Carroll’s passenger, 87-year old Sara Harvey Carroll was critically injured.
Charges against Rinehard, who was not injured, are pending, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
