National FFA Board Announces Five Local Students To Receive American FFA Degrees
August 10, 2017
The National FFA Board of Directors announced Wednesday that five local students will receive the coveted American FFA Degree.
They are: Kaitlyn Kleinatland, Bethany Reynolds, Haylee Weaver and Courtney Weekley, Northview High School graduates; and Miranda Vidak, West Florida High graduate. The degree is presented after the FFA member graduates from high school.
The American FFA Degree is the highest honor bestowed upon any regular member of the National FFA Organization. The degree is presented to FFA members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to FFA and made significant accomplishments in their supervised agricultural experiences.
The American FFA Degree is awarded at the National FFA Convention & Expo each year to less than one percent of FFA members. Requirements to earn the honor are lengthy. In addition to their degree certificate, each recipient receives a gold American FFA Degree key.
The American FFA degrees will be presented to the students in October at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN.
Pictured above: American FFA Degree recipients Haylee Weaver, Courtney Weekley, Bethany Reynolds and Kaitlyn Kleinatland, Northview High School graduates; Miranda Vidak, West Florida High School graduate. NorthEscambia.com and courtesy photos, click to enlarge.
John Hoffman
August 10, 2017
Mr. John “Ronny” Hoffman, 75, passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2017, in Spanish Fort, Alabama.
Mr. Hoffman was a native of Montgomery, AL and had resided in Atmore, AL for the past 45 years. He was a member and past treasurer at the Atmore Church of Christ. He taught his first year at Repton, Flomaton for five years, Ernest Ward, Bratt and Northview for a total of 33 years. He coached at Flomaton, Repton and Ernest Ward. He was a graduate of Troy State and was an avid fisherman. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Sarah Hoffman; and one sister, Joan Hoffman Fleshman.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Charlotte Hoffman of Atmore, AL; one son, Ron (Wendy) Hoffman of Spanish Fort, AL; three daughters, Ronda Hoffman of Daphne, AL, Michelle (Ted) Cox of Winfield, AL and Mel (Marc) Bass of Auburn, AL; three brothers, Larry Hoffman of Pike Road, AL, Frances Hoffman of Highland Home, AL and Allan Hoffman of Highland Home, AL; one sister, Judy Best of Honoraville, AL; and eight grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Friday, August 11, 2017, at 11 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Minister Bobby Boatwright officiating.
Burial will follow at the Oak Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Steve Hoffman, John Hoffman, Aubrey Cox, Joseph Cox, Christian Bass, John Stephen Bass and Colton Whitehead.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Greg Evers A Finalist For Public Service Commission
August 10, 2017
Former State Sen. Greg Evers is on the short list of 14 candidates — including a state representative and three other former lawmakers — who will be interviewed next week for openings on Florida’s utility-regulatory board.
The Public Service Commission Nominating Council on Wednesday trimmed the number of candidates from 26. Among those cut without comment was former state Comptroller Bob Milligan, who failed to receive a single vote of support.
The Public Service Commission Nominating Council on Wednesday trimmed the number of candidates from 26. Among those cut without comment was former state Comptroller Bob Milligan, who failed to receive a single vote of support.
The council is required to nominate at least six candidates for the seats held by Brise and Graham. The council must submit a minimum of three names to Scott to replace Patronis.
Along with State Rep. Tom Goodson, R-Rockledge, other candidates besides Evers seeking the Patronis seat include former Rep. Rich Glorioso of Plant City; former Rep. Ken Littlefield of Wesley Chapel; and former Rep. Ritch Workman of Melbourne. All are Republicans.
Not every former lawmaker who applied made the scaled-back list. Former Rep. Dave Murzin, R-Pensacola, received only a single vote of support from the council.
Others who will be interviewed include:
— Gary Clark, the Department of Environmental Protection’s deputy secretary of land and recreation who oversees the state’s 174 parks.
— William Conrad, a former mayor of Newberry who owns Conrad Construction Company and serves as chairman of the Florida Municipal Power Agency’s board of directors.
— Clayton Lindstrom, director of the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority.
— Anibal Taboas an appointee to the Governors State University Board of Trustees from Woodridge, Ill.
— Ted Schrader, president of the Winter Haven Citrus Growers Association.
— Jody Newman, a former assistant director with the Orange County School District.
— Erik Sayler, a former senior attorney with the Public Service Commission who now works for the state Office of Public Counsel.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida with contribution from NorthEscambia.com
Thomas Charles Murphy
August 10, 2017
Thomas Charles Murphy, 69, of Cantonment, passed away at home on August 5, 2017, after a six year battle with cancer. Tommy was born on November 8, 1947, in Montgomery, Alabama, to Thomas Foy and Anne Murphy. He was proud to serve his country in the Marines for two tours in Vietnam. Tommy was a loving husband and father who’s favorite past time was hunting with his wife, children, grandchildren and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Foy Murphy and father-in-law, Charles Cartwright.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 35 years, Suzi Murphy; children, Lenna Philpot, Ryan Murphy, Charles (Heather) Murphy, Elizabeth (Andrew) Kilgore, and Dawn Murphy; grandchildren, Victoria, Mariah, Rebecca, Shanna, Caleb, Colton, Landon and Abygail; great-grandson, Blake; Mother, Anne Murphy; Siblings, Joe (Janet), Joy (Roger) Henson, Jack, Karl (Cathy), Phillip (Pat), Tonya (Boyd) Johnson; several nieces and nephews; and many more family members and friends.
A visitation will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 12, 2017, with a memorial service to immediately follow at 2 p.m. at Pine Forest Assembly of God Church, 3125 Pine Forest Road, Cantonment, FL 32533. Pastor Gene Hudson will be officiating.
Special thanks are extended to Dr. Alsayed and Covenant Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Covenant Hospice (5041 North 12th Ave, Pensacola, FL 32504), in memory of Tommy Murphy.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.
School Bus Safety And Traffic Laws
August 10, 2017
It’s the first day of school in Escambia County, with more than 40,000 students making their way to and from school. About 25,000 of them will be on board 300 school buses across the county.
Parents are reminded to instruct their children to be at the bus stop at least five minutes before scheduled bus arrival time, stay off of the roadway, observe and stay clear of traffic, stay out of the bus blind spots, don’t chase after the bus once it leaves the bus stop, and buckle seat belts as soon as they board.
Motorists are reminded to give themselves plenty of time to get where they’re going and to be patient in traffic. They should watch out for school buses, comply with bus-passing laws, and stay off of those cell phones.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, drivers must follow these school and school bus safety rules:
- Adhere to the posted speed limit in designated school zones.
- When approaching an intersection where a crossing guard is present in the crosswalk with the stop sign raised, do not cross – or turn – into the crosswalk until the guard has completely left the crosswalk.
- Never stop a vehicle in a manner that blocks a crosswalk.
- When you approach a stopped school bus (from behind) with lights flashing and the stop arm extended, you must stop.
- When you approach a stopped school bus (from front) with lights flashing and the stop arm extended, you also must stop, unless:
- you are on a divided highway and the roadways are separated by an unpaved space at least five feet in width, or
- you are on a divided highway and the roadways are separated by a physical barrier.
- You are required to stop at least 10 feet away from the school bus.
- You must not resume driving until the school bus turns its lights off and withdraws its stop sign.
- Be certain all exiting children have reached a safe place before proceeding.
Dovie Woods Stanley
August 10, 2017
Mrs. Dovie Woods Stanley, 84, passed away on Thursday, August 10, 2017, in Atmore, Alabama.
Mrs. Stanley was a native of Semirah Springs, AL and had resided in Atmore, AL most of her life. She was a member of Brooks Memorial Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Louiza Woods and husband of 64 years Cecil Stanley.
She is survived by her three sons, Cecil Gary (Kaye Derrington) Stanley of Tampa, FL, Greg (Wanda) Stanley of Stapleton, AL and Richard K. (Phyllis) Stanley of Brewton, AL; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Sunday, August 13, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Robert Heard and Bro. Dave Taylor officiating.
Visitation will be Saturday, August 12, 2017, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Jacob Salter, Wade Barnes, Chris Stanley, David Huggins, Charles Woods and James “Chief” Peters.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
All Students At Many Escambia Schools To Receive Free Lunch, Breakfast
August 10, 2017
On this first day of school, here’s a reminder that all students at many North Escambia schools will receive free breakfast and lunch this year, thanks to the expansion of a two-year old Escambia County School District program.
Bratt, Byrneville, Molino Park, Ernest Ward and Northview are among the 17 new schools added through the district’s participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).
Free breakfast and lunch will begin on the first day of school at the following locations in Escambia County (new schools are in bold):
Elementary Schools: Bellview Elementary, Bratt Elementary, Brentwood Elementary, C.A. Weis Elementary, Ensley Elementary, Ferry Pass Elementary, Global Learning Academy, Holm Elementary, Jim Allen Elementary, Lincoln Park Elementary, Lipscomb Elementary, Longleaf Elementary, McArthur Elementary, Molino Park Elementary, Montclair Elementary, Myrtle Grove Elementary, Navy Point Elementary, Oakcrest Elementary, Pine Meadow Elementary, Pleasant Grove Elementary, Scenic Heights Elementary, O.J. Semmes Elementary, Sherwood Elementary, Warrington Elementary, and West Pensacola Elementary
Middle Schools: Bellview Middle, Ernest Ward Middle, Ferry Pass Middle, Jim Bailey Middle, Warrington Middle, Woodham Middle, and Workman Middle
High Schools: Escambia High School, Northview High School, Pensacola High School, Pine Forest High School, Booker T. Washington High School
Special Centers: Camelot, Lakeview Center, Judy Andrews, McMillian PreK Center, and Escambia Westgate Center
Alternative Education/Charters: Byrneville Charter, Capstone, Escambia Charter, and Jacqueline Harris Preparatory Academy
Vocational School: George Stone Technical (Phoenix Initiative Program)
Parents of the students at these schools are not required to submit an application for the free and reduced Lunch program at that school — all meals are free.
Families with students attending other ECSD schools are encouraged to apply for the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program. Applications will be sent home or parents and guardians to complete and return to their student’s school.
Pictured top: Sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables and crackers on the lunch menu at Jim Allen Elementary School. Pictured below: Lunch at Bratt Elementary and Ransom Middle School. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
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Suspicious White Powder Found Inside Escambia Business
August 9, 2017
Emergency personnel responded to a report of a suspicious white powder inside an Escambia County business this afternoon, but they have since given the all-clear.
The white powder was reportedly found inside CHCS Services Inc. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Rapid Response Team, Escambia County EMS and Escambia County Fire Rescue responded and evaluated the substance.
They determined there was no threat from the white powder. Officials have not said exactly what the substance was.
The company was evacuated as a precaution.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mayor: There’s A Buyer For The Former Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company Property, New Jobs Promised
August 9, 2017
The sale of the former Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company property in Century is in the works, with the buyer set to bring new jobs to town, according to Mayor Henry Hawkins.
The property includes 330,200 square feet in eight buildings on 38 acres that is zoned industrial. The largest building is 128,000 square feet, the smallest 10,400. It has been listed in recent years for as much as $2.75 million, but is currently listed on real estate websites for $1.5 million. Property records show it is currently owned by a holding company in Navarre.
The property was heavily damaged in Century’s February 2016 EF-3, including a collapse of the rear portion of the largest building. Portions of the buildings blew into, and in some cases through, houses along Front Street. Since the tornado, residents have pushed the town and Escambia County to clean up the property. Estimates for a cleanup have topped three-quarters of a million dollars.
But the new buyer, according to the mayor, will look to repair some of facility for their business. As negotiations are ongoing, Hawkins has declined to name the potential purchaser.
Hawkins said there are numerous county liens against the property that will reduce the selling price, and he plans to work with the county attorney’s office to determine the exact amount owed to Escambia County.
“It’s a pretty significant lien,” County Attorney Alison Rogers said Tuesday. “We are willing to work with the Town of Century…if they were to present a request in writing to reduce or forgive some of those liens for economic development, the board (Board of County Commissioners) would certainly consider that request.”
Hawkins said the sale of the property could close as early as next week.
Pictured top: A ground level view of the back of the main building at the former Alger Sullivan Lumber Company in Century in February 2016. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
More Showers And Thunderstorms
August 9, 2017
Numerous showers and storms will continues to develop across the area through Wednesday. Stronger storms will produce torrential downpours across the area. This heavy rain may lead to minor flooding for areas along and north of I-10.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87.