House Pushes Changes In Retirement System
April 13, 2017
The Florida House is poised to adopt major changes in the state retirement system, although the legislation remains in doubt in the Senate.
House members Wednesday took up a bill (HB 5007) that, beginning in January 2018, would make a controversial change for new public employees who don’t make a choice in their retirement plans.
Under the bill, those employees would go into the state’s 401(k)-type investment plan rather than the traditional pension plan. Currently, undecided employees default into the traditional pension plan. In both scenarios, new employees can opt to join either plan.
The legislation would also bar newly elected officials, including state lawmakers, Cabinet members, judges, county commissioners and school board members, from joining the traditional pension plan after July 1, 2018. They would receive retirement benefits through the investment plan.
Also, the bill would limit pension benefits for judges by reducing the annual rate for accruing their retirement benefits from 3.3 percent to 3 percent beginning July 1.
The House is scheduled to vote on the legislation Thursday, after the Republican majority defeated an amendment Wednesday from Rep. Loranne Ausley, D-Tallahassee.
Ausley’s proposed amendment would have eliminated the controversial revisions sought by GOP leaders, while authorizing changes in the annual contributions paid by state government, school districts, county governments and other public agencies.
The Senate in past years has rejected attempts to limit the traditional pension plan. The new House bill would tie such revisions to the annual contribution changes that are required to make sure the pension system is fiscally sound for the long term.
Ausley warned that if the bill is rejected by the Senate, it could hurt the financial stability of the $149 billion pension fund. A Senate bill (7022), which only has the contribution changes, says the rate increases would bolster the fund by $149.5 million in the next budget year.
“The Florida retirement system is at risk of being underfunded,” Ausley warned. “This (the House approach) is a very risky move.”
But her plea to pass “a clean rate bill” was defeated in a voice vote.
Rep. Matt Caldwell, the sponsor of the bill, defended the legislation, including the change in the handling of new employees who do not make a retirement-plan choice. He said it would protect those workers by placing them in the investment plan where they could keep their contributions and investments if they left public employment before the eight-year vesting period, which is required for traditional pension benefits.
“The odds are it will be to the benefit of the employee,” said Caldwell, R-North Fort Myers.
But Democrats who opposed the bill argued that there was no need to change a financially healthy pension plan, which is projected to be able to pay more than 85 percent of its future obligations. They also said workers could be hurt by being placed in the riskier investment plan as opposed to a traditional pension plan that provides specific benefits.
“What is broken?” asked Rep. Joseph Abruzzo, D-Boynton Beach. “What is wrong, considering we have one of the strongest pension systems in the country?”
The retirement system has some 630,000 active members and about 400,000 retirees. About half of the active employees work for Florida school districts, 23 percent are county workers and 20 percent are state employees.
Singleton Selected As State FFA Officer Candidate
April 13, 2017
Northview High School senior Mitchell Singleton has been selected as a Florida FFA state officer candidate.
Singleton is Area 1 vice president candidate. He is the only selected candidate from Northwest Florida.
The 2018 State Officer Screening Committee named Mitchell and seven other high school seniors as candidates for state FFA office at the Florida FFA Leadership Training Center in Haines City.
There were 27 student FFA members from across the state that participated in the rigorous interview process. These members were challenged with a personal interview, written exam, individual problem-solving exercise, advocacy stand and deliver practicum, state degree interview, agricultural education interview and a conversational exercise.
Singleton and the other candidates will seek election at the 89th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo, June 12-16 in Orlando.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bratt Elementary Releases Latest Honor Roll
April 13, 2017
The following students were named to the third nine weeks honor roll at Bratt Elementary School:
Kindergarten – A Honor Roll
Alexis Amerson
Eric Anthony
Landen Barlow
Abigail Brown
Alysa Bryan
Ava Bryan
Jaxon Byrd
Carson Eady
Aubrey Flowers
Pryce Flowers
Kintley Flowers
Josyah Fontenot
Christian Fountain
Olivia Garrett
Nathan Gilmore
Kyndal Hadley
Autumn Heist
Sophia Ikner
Maybree Johnson
Noah Luker
Parker Marsh
Mya McCants
Briley Moore
Demeatree Moorer
Natalia Morales
Rainey Nelson
Jonathan Patrick
Jade Presley
Madison Rice
Ashton Roberts
Caden Sanspree
Kimmora Thomas
Javan Thompson
James Thompson
Summer Weaver
Na’Kiyah Williams
Taryanna Wright
FIRST GRADE – A Honor Roll
Landon Allcock
Gabrielle Boatwright
Jamarreai Davison
Logan Diller
O’Neshia DuBose
Parker Ganey
Sawyer Gilmore
Brody Hall
Camden Jacobson
John McAnally
Hunter Parker
Madalynn Pittman
Christian Roberts
Makinzi Roley
Breah Shelly
Cassandra Stilwell
Kameryn Thompson
Kaylee Wilson
FIRST GRADE – A/B Honor Roll
Govan Alexander
Tyler Amerson
Eli Anthony
Marquis Banks
Serenity Conway
Jacob Dove
Zachary Flowers
Michael Greenwell
Emmalee Grimes
Ashleigh Harris
Evelyn Jones
Logan Kaul
Levi Peters
Alivia Pierce
Brooklyn Reynolds
Annsleigh-Nikole Rodriguez
Jackson Sellers
Adalynn Southard
Noah Spence
Wyatt Spence
Kennedy Ward
SECOND GRADE – A Honor Roll
Lexi Bingham
Luke Bryan
Christian Caraway
William Classen
Jacobi Dougall
Nolan Eady
Cathryn Greenwood
Laila Hadley
Lori Hall
Presley Johnson
Kaylee Long
Mikayla McAnally
Dakota Richardson
Avery Stuckey
SECOND GRADE – A/B Honor Roll
Montgomery Baker
Amara Campbell
Madilynne Cardwell
Crimson Davis
Carlie Davis
Kylar Davis
Hayden Gipson
Savannah Lowry
Logan Morris
Makayla Plato
Miles Smith
Jake Taylor
Raleigh Warr
THIRD GRADE – A Honor Roll
Desiray Bagwell
Jackson Bridges
Addison Classen
Tristan Crumm
Mary-Clayton Dawson
LanDon Johnson
Carley Moore
Jackson Simmons
Jasmine Zisa
THIRD GRADE – A/B Honor Roll
Ellie Adkins
Claire Amerson
Wade Bailey
Bailey Blackwell
Isaiah Boatwright
Nevaeh Bush
Tyler Carach
Luke Chavers
Aakira Davis
Addison Eicher
Shelby Greenwell
Talise Gregson
William Heard
Emily Jarvis
Tristan Johnson
Keeli Knighten
Kayleb Nicholson
Braylan Shelly
Brayden Smith
Justy Starns
Maggie Stewart
Haidyn Turberville
Mya Wilson
FOURTH GRADE – A Honor Roll
Madeleine Atallah
Colton Criswell
JaCee Dortch
Noah Faulkner
Jamison Gilman
Mary Catherine Hughes
Laura Laborde
Colby Pugh
Ally Richardson
Maggie Scott
FOURTH GRADE – A/B Honor Roll
Evan Chick
Kinslee Coker
Calene Davis
Kylie Davis
Payton Daw
Richard Emmons
Aliyah Fountain
Jared Hudson
Adannaya Mondaca
Zakyla Smith
Bryce Stabler
Jonathon Stilwell
FIFTH GRADE – A Honor Roll
Raegan Abbott
Sarah Bailey
Haydn Baker
Riley Dawson
Carsyn Dortch
Mayson Edwards
Maggie Godwin
Ava Gurganus
Leah Hetrick
Jaquez Moorer
Jacob Spence
Emily Stilwell
Bentley Van Pelt
FIFTH GRADE – A/B Honor Roll
Rabekah Abbott
Sara Amerson
Elijah Amerson
Ethan Bingham
Kyle Blanton
Olivia Boatwright
Kaedence Carter
Edward Conway
Chloe Criswell
Samuel Dettling
Tyteanna Dubose
Scotty Elliott
Zykuria Fountain
Raleigh Gibson
Berklee Hall
Joshlynn Helton
Austin Minchew
Alexis Moya
William Plato
Bryson Sanders
Angel Schoonover
Jaimee Taylor
Corbin Turberville
Northview Softball Beats Neal
April 13, 2017
The Northview Lady Chiefs defeated W.S. Neal Tuesday night 10-1.
Tori Herrington earned the win in seven innings on the mound for Northview, allowing two hits, one run and striking out 10 while allowing no errors.
For Northview – J Newton 1-3, R, RBI; Tori Herrington 1-4, RBI; Aubrey Love 2-4, R, RBI, 3B; Peighton Dortch 3-2, 2 R, RBI; V Shelly 1-3, 3 R; Lydia Smith 2-3, 2 R, 2 RBI 2B.
Escambia Academy has canceled their Thursday game at Canoe against the Chiefs. Northview has added a 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 18 home game against Chipley for Senior Night.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Wahoos Shut Out Biloxi
April 13, 2017
Pensacola Blue Wahoos second baseman Alex Blandino hit a line drive double to left field with the bases loaded in the fourth inning to score three runs.
It was all the Blue Wahoos needed to win its first game, 3-0, on the road Wednesday against the Biloxi Shuckers at MGM Park in front of 3,708.
Pensacola right fielder Aristides Aquino led off the fourth inning with a walk and moved to second base on a single to left field by left fielder Gabriel Guerrero. Leon Landry then reached on a fielder’s choice and Guerrero was out at second base. Blue Wahoos third baseman Taylor Sparks then got the first of his three walks in the game to load the bases.
That’s when Blandino, who’s working on being more consistent at the plate, hit the first pitch to left and cleared the bases. He was 3-4 on the night with two doubles.
Meanwhile, Tyler Mahle allowed just one hit in seven innings of work, walked two and struck out six. Mahle is now 2-0 on the year with a 0.71 ERA.
In the home opener, Mahle pitched 4.1 perfect innings. Against Biloxi he pitched 5 perfect innings. To start the sixth inning, Mahle walked Angel Ortega and then second baseman Javier Betancourt singled to right field. He then walked Dustin DeMuth to load the bases with no outs.
But Mahle got out of the inning unscathed. He struck out the next two batters and got the third to ground out to first base.
Austin Brice and Jimmy Hegert both pitched one inning of hitless relief and closed out Pensacola’s first shutout of the season. Brice walked one, while Hegert struck out the side for his third save of the season. The Blue Wahoos now lead the Southern League with a 2.50 ERA in its six games this season.
Northview Athletes Qualify For Track Regionals
April 13, 2017
The following Northview High School athletes have qualify for regionals in track:
Police: Restaurant Worker Steals Customer’s $3K Ring
April 13, 2017
It was a case where some hand lotion caused a ring to fall off the finger of its owner and into the hands of a restaurant employee who found it and tried to sell it on an internet app.
The suspect – Wesley Aaron Dicus, 27, of Escambia County – was arrested Tuesday. He was charged with grand theft and dealing in stolen property.
The victim – Patricia Norris, 39, of Pensacola – contacted police on Monday and said she had been eating dinner April 2 at a local restaurant and that she had applied some lotion on her hands while there. Norris said she believed the lotion may have caused her $2,939 diamond ring to slip off her finger. Norris told police she realized the ring was missing the morning of April 3.
She said she searched her residence and vehicle and when she couldn’t find the ring, she contacted the restaurant and asked if someone might have found it and turned it in. Norris also went to the restaurant on April 5 but still was unable to find the ring.
Meanwhile, Dedrick Geter, 39, of Pensacola who had been dining with Norris on April 2, used his cell phone to search an internet app called ”OfferUp” in an effort to find the ring. Geter found a photograph of a ring that looked exactly like the one that Norris was missing and the ad had been posted on or about April 5 by the suspect, who had been their server the night they were eating at the restaurant.
Detectives Joshua Hudson and Shannan Briarton, posing as a couple, arranged to meet Dicus in a parking lot on April 11. The suspect said he would sell them the ring for $2,000. Dicus was taken into custody after various markings mentioned by the victim were found on the ring.
Levie Richard Butler
April 13, 2017
Levie Richard (Ricky) Butler passed away peacefully on April 9, 2017, surrounded by family. Ricky was born on March 12, 1951, and was a lifelong resident of Cantonment. Ricky graduated from J.M.Tate High School in 1969 and later served in the National Guard. Ricky retired from CSX Transportation in 2011 after 34 years of service as a machine operator. Ricky was an avid hunter and fisherman, but more than anything loved being a father and “Paw Paw”.
Ricky was preceded in death by his parents, Ferrell and Virginia Butler.
He is survived by his wife, Jackie; his children, Brad Butler (Joli), Carrie Rice (Brad), Tiffany Ratchford, and Jennifer Bracken (Mike); grandchildren, Brayden Gunter (Jesse), Brooke Butler, Cade, Chase, and Coby Rice, Leighton and Audrey Ratchford, and Parker Bracken; siblings, Diane Garner, Donald Butler, and David Butler, along with many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service to honor Ricky’s life was held Thursday, April 13, 2017, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
The family would like to thank all of his lifelong friends for their friendship, love, prayers, and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Chester Purifoy, Sr.
April 13, 2017
Chester Purifoy, Sr., 63, of Cantonment, FL passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2017, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was preceded in death by his four brothers, Ezell Purifoy, Jr., L.D. Purifoy, Ozell Purifoy and Earl Purifoy; sister, Elizabeth (Albert) Tompkins; parents, Ezell and Ethel Purifoy and his mother-in- law, Cleola Conner.
He is survived by his loving wife, Katie Mae Purifoy; daughter, Persephone (Kenneth) Gross; sons, Chester Purifoy, Jr. and Maurice (Alexandria) Purifoy; 10 grandchildren; seven sisters, Lizzie Beasley, Mary (Stanford) Jones, Sarah Doss, Stella Purifoy, Minnie Purifoy and Delois (David) Mason; four brothers, Phillip, Joseph (Sara), Samuel, and Kenneth Purifoy; and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be Friday, April 14, 2017, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 15, 2017, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North at 1 p.m. with Robert Gross as the officiant.
Pallbearers will be Tyrone Purifoy, Michael Bryant, Jamal Spencer, Toderic Kennedy, Jerrell D. Mitton and Sammie Hedrick.
Honorary pallbearers will be Ahtione Barker, Tyree Purifoy, Ronnie Bryant, Christopher Hedrick, Tylan Purifoy and Terrence Hedrick.
Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.
Omega G. Marvil
April 13, 2017
Omega G. Marvil, age 79, of Cantonment, was called home April 10, 2017. She was born January 13, 1938, in Sunflower, MS, to the late William and Ethie Gilliland. Omega was known as a devoted wife and mother, as well as an exceptional cook and meticulous housekeeper.
She retired from AT&T after 31 years of service in Mississippi. Omega was a proud member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the United States Submarine Veterans Association, as well as a long time member of Hillcrest Baptist Church. Omega was known for her generous spirit and volunteer efforts at the Baptist Children’s Home. She was also known for her love of butterflies, sunflowers, and lighthouses.
Omega was preceded in death by her parents; her 14 siblings; and her step-son.
She is survived by her cherished husband of 41 years, Lin Marvil II; children, Bryant (Troy Snider) Shaw and Loretta (Dirk) Langdon; grandchildren, DJ Langdon, Jacob Marvil, and Rodney Marvil; step-son, Lin Marvil IV, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services were held Thursday, April 13, 2017, at 12 p.m., at Faith Chapel North. Rev. Jim Locke will officiate.
Interment was at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola.
Pallbearers were Joe Clarke, Butch Clarke, D.J. Rathmann, Caleb Clarke, Skip Royster and Dave Shirmer.
Honorary pallbearers were her special nieces and nephews; and Matt Carter.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.