Local Unemployment Holds Steady
June 17, 2017
The latest job numbers released Friday show the employment rate holding steady of the last month in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Escambia County’s seasonably adjusted unemployment rate held steady from 4.0 percent in April to 4.0 percent in May. There were 5,690 people reported unemployed during the period. One year ago, unemployment in Escambia County was 4.6 percent.
“The Pensacola area added more than 3,000 new jobs over the last year, which means more opportunities are available for families in Northwest Florida. Over the past six and a half years, more than 1.37 million jobs have been created across our state and we will keep fighting to make Florida the top destination for job growth,” Gov. Rick Scott said.
The industry with the highest growth over the year in Pensacola was leisure and hospitality with 1,500 new jobs. The Pensacola area had 5,550 job openings in May, including 1,794 openings for high-skill, high-wage STEM occupations.
Santa Rosa County unemployment rate was steady at 3.7 percent from April to May. Santa Rosa County had a total of 2,843 persons still unemployed. The year-ago unemployment rate in Santa Rosa County was 4.1 percent.
Florida’s jobless rate fell to 4.3 percent in May, down 0.2 percentage points from the prior month, representing 435,000 people out of work from the state’s labor force of 10.15 million. The rate is the lowest in Florida since August 2007 and matches the national unemployment mark. Gov. Rick Scott continued his focus on private-sector job creation, noting in a prepared statement that “nearly 22,000 jobs were created across our state last month.”
The jobless numbers released by the state do not include persons that have given up on finding a job and are no longer reported as unemployed.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.
Concealed Weapon License Fees Reduced
June 17, 2017
Scott Lunsford, Escambia County Tax Collector, has announced that fees to apply for or renew a concealed weapon license have been reduced.
Effective, July 1, an original application fee will be $119, which includes fingerprinting, photo and tax collector service fees. The renewal fee will be $57, which includes tax collector service fees. Fees have decreased a total of $15 since last year.
“We are proud to offer these services locally for our residents and are glad the Legislature worked to make the license more affordable,” Lunsford said. “We strive to serve our customers well and help them to obtain and renew their concealed weapon licenses.”
Services included in the concealed weapon license process include fingerprinting and photos. While renewal licenses for Florida residents have same day service and will be printed in the office, new applications still will be submitted to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for final approval. The statutory turnaround time for this process is within 90 days. Licensees who are not Florida residents or who need to submit documentation of a name change will not be eligible to receive a renewal license on site. The applications still can be submitted through the tax collector’s office, but FDACS will print and mail the new license.
Concealed weapon licensing services are available at Lunsford’s Warrington office, 4051 Barrancas Avenue, Suite A. Appointments for concealed weapon license applications and renewals can be made here, by visiting EscambiaTaxCollector.com or by downloading the QLess app from iTunes or Google Play.
For additional information on concealed weapon licenses, visit freshfromflorida.com/#Concealed-Weapons.
For more information about other tax collector services, visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com or email ectc@EscambiaTaxCollector.com.
Singleton Named FFA Area VP; Northview FFA Receives More State Honors
June 17, 2017
The Northview High School FFA chapter and members received several additional honors on Friday, the final day of the 89th Florida FFA State Convention and Expo in Orlando.
Graduated senior and former Northview FFA President Mitchell Singleton hs been name the Florida FFA Area 1 State Vice President.
Raeleigh Woodfin placed first in the state in the Alumni Essay contest.
The Northview FFA Alumni and Friends placed fifth in the Outstanding Alumni Affiliate Awards.
Tabitha Chavers, Brandon Korinchak and Mitchell Singleton received their Florida State FFA Degree. The State FFA Degree is highest honor bestowed upon any regular member of the Florida FFA Assocation.
Four alumni Northview FFA members returned to the state convention this year to be recognized. They will receive the prestigious American FFA Degree at the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis, IN, in October. They are: Kaitlyn Kleinatland, Bethany Reynolds, Haylee Weaver and Courtney Weekley. The American FFA Degree is the highest honor bestowed upon any regular member of the National FFA Organization. The degree is presented after the FFA member graduates from high school.
Earlier this week: Northview FFA’s Singleton won a first place speaking award (click here); the Northview Chapter was honored as one of Florida’s Finest FFA chapters (click here) and Northview High School FFA’s “Fresh From Florida Advocacy Program” was named the first place program in the state (click here).
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
National Dairy Month Is A Reminder Of Milk’s Contribution To A Good Diet
June 17, 2017
by UF/IFAS Extension Service
A glass of milk packs a nutritious punch, a reminder of the importance of dairy in our diets as we enter National Dairy Month, a University of Florida nutrition expert said.
“Basically, cow’s milk helps to meet nutrient needs, and some research suggests it may help to protect against some of the major chronic diseases,” said Gail Kauwell, a professor in food science and human nutrition.
Dairy food nutrients play many important roles in maintaining good health, so Kauwell encourages milk as part of a healthy eating pattern. Some key nutrients in milk include calcium, vitamins D and B12, potassium and protein. These nutrients build strong bones and teeth, maintain and improve bone mass, make red blood cells, synthesize DNA and maintain healthy blood pressure, said Kauwell, a faculty member at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
For example, studies support an association between higher dairy food intake and lower risk for type 2 diabetes, said Kauwell, although she cautions that these studies do not prove cause and effect.
All sorts of “milk” fills the grocery store dairy case. So how do consumers distinguish between them? Further, what do you do if you cannot consume a certain type of dairy product?
Kauwell explained that several of the key vitamins and minerals naturally present in cow’s milk are only present in soy, almond, rice and coconut beverages if they are added to the product. And when it comes to protein, only soy beverages provide an amount equal to that of cow’s milk.
People who are lactose intolerant may be able to drink small amounts of milk without experiencing any symptoms but may prefer to drink lactose-free milk or a fortified soy beverage. On the other hand, some people cannot drink cow’s milk because of a food allergy. Those with a food allergy to milk, and those practicing a vegetarian or vegan diet also may choose to drink a fortified soy beverage, said Kaley Mialki, a UF/IFAS graduate and registered dietitian.
“If individuals are watching their weight, switching from full-fat milk, cheese and yogurt to low-fat or fat-free milk products can reduce calorie and fat consumption but still allow for intake of other important nutrients like protein, vitamins and minerals,” Mialki said.
Jay High FFA Recognized At State Convention
June 17, 2017
The Jay High School FFA Chapter was recognized for several accomplishments during this week’s Florida FFA State Convention in Orlando.
Amanda Hachtel placed third in the state in the Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event after competing against the top 12 speakers in the state on Monday.
Ally Ashworth and Amanda Hachtel represented the Jay FFA Land Judging team on stage to receive their trophy for placing fifth in the state at the contest this past March in Plant City.
Madelyn Godwin received her State FFA Degree. The State FFA Degree is highest honor bestowed upon any regular member of the Florida FFA Association.
Photos for NortEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Split Double Header With Jumbo Shrimp
June 17, 2017
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos made sure it decisively won its fourth consecutive Southern League half.
Both second baseman Alex Blandino and catcher Adrian Nieto clobbered home runs, as Pensacola downed the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, 9-3, in the first game of a seven-inning doubleheader Friday at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. The Blue Wahoos fell in the second game to the Jumbo Shrimp, 1-0.
Pensacola’s victory in the first game was historic. It ensured that the Blue Wahoos joined the Tennessee Smokies, who also won four consecutive halves from 2009 to 2011. There was no celebration after the first game just high fives as the team remained focused on playing the second game of the seven-inning doubleheader.
Pensacola manager Pat Kelly said he was pleased with his team.
“It’s great,” he said. “The players deserved it they’ve played extremely well all year. They’ve been in first place every day but about six. Just a terrific performance. Again, good pitching and we got some really timely hitting in that first game.”
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Brandon Finnegan made his second MLB rehab assignment for Pensacola with the first half title on the line. He’s recovering from a strained left trapezius, which he sustained April 15.
The 24-year-old threw four scoreless innings, allowed one hit and struck out four Jacksonville hitters Friday. In his two starts for the Blue Wahoos, Finnegan has thrown seven scoreless innings, given up two hits, walked one and struck out five.
Pensacola split Friday’s doubleheader and is 40-28 on the year. The second place Biloxi Shuckers (34-31) scheduled seven-inning doubleheader Friday with the Mobile BayBears was rained out.
Before his injury, Finnegan, a first round pick in 2014, was 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA and had 14 strikeouts in 10 innings. In his three seasons with the Reds, he is 13-13 in 38 starts with a 3.94 ERA.
Pensacola middle reliever Ariel Hernandez earned the victory in one inning of relief of Finnegan and is 2-0 with a 2.18 ERA.
Nieto hit his third homer of the season, a solo shot to left center field. He was 3-4 in the game with two runs scored. Blandino smashed a two-out, three-run bomb in the fifth inning and now has 30 RBIs. He is second on the team behind right fielder Aristides Aquino, who singled in a run in the first game Friday and has 34 this season.
In the second game, Pensacola ace Tyler Mahle started the game. He pitched three innings and gave up the only run in the game on four hits and struckout three. Mahle took the loss and is 7-3 with a 1.59 ERA in the first half of the season.
Mahle gave up a two-out triple to right field to Jacksonville third baseman Brian Anderson in the bottom of the third innings. The extra-base hit scored Jumbo Shrimp pitcher Mike Kickham, who had singled to center, for a 1-0 lead. Kickham earned the win and is 4-3 with a 2.26 ERA. He is also 5-13 at the plate, hitting .385.
Century Man Caught In Courthouse With Meth In His Underwear
June 16, 2017
A Century man is facing charges after being caught at the county courthouse with crystal methamphetamine hidden away inside his underwear.
Colby Wayne Satterwhite was taken into custody at the MC Blanchard Judicial Building on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear on a traffic charge. As he was being searched before being placed in a vehicle for transport to the county jail, officers reported finding a baggie of methamphetamine in the torn seam of his underwear.
A small baggie fell onto the ground from Satterwhite’s crotch area, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report. The baggie and clear, crystal-like contents tested positive for methamphetamine, the report states.
Satterwhite was charged with felony possession of methamphetamine and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also arrested on the outstanding warrant for failure to appear on a driving while license suspended charge.
More Rain, More Thunderstorms
June 16, 2017
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Northview’s Singleton Wins First Place In State FFA Public Speaking Event
June 16, 2017
Northview High School FFA member Mitchell Singleton won first place in the state in the FFA Extemporaneous Public Speaking competition Thursday afternoon in Orlando. Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Gets 20 Years After Failing At Armed Robbery
June 16, 2017
An Escambia County man was sentenced to two decades in prison for a botched robbery.
Frank Carter, Jr., was sentenced Thursday by Circuit Judge Scott Duncan to 20 years in state prison for attempted robbery with a firearm and mask.
On June 16, 2016, Carter walked into the Smart Fill Convenient Store carrying a loaded revolver and wearing a t-shirt wrapped around his face. Unknown to Carter, the store clerk observed him walk-in with the gun and was able to hide prior to being seen. Carter was located by law enforcement just minutes later hiding in the alley adjacent to the store still wearing the t-shirt around his face. During further investigation, the loaded firearm was found behind the store.