Escambia County Would Move To Eastern Time Zone Under Proposal

January 24, 2018

A move to put all of Florida, including Escambia County, in the same time zone, while following daylight-saving time throughout the year, got the backing of a Senate committee on Tuesday.

But even if the proposal receives approval from the full Legislature, the U.S. Department of Transportation and Congress would both have to act for the changes to occur.

The Senate Community Affairs Committee voted in favor of the proposal (SB 858), which seeks to put Panhandle counties in the same time zone as the rest of the state and for Florida to observe daylight-saving time all year. Much of the Panhandle is now in the Central time zone, while the rest of the state is in the Eastern time zone.

Sen. Greg Steube, a Sarasota Republican who is sponsoring the proposal, initially sought to have the state exempted from daylight-saving time and observe standard time throughout the year. But an amendment Tuesday moved the bill closer to a House version (HB 1013), which seeks year-round daylight-saving time.

Steube said his proposal originated when visiting a barber, who complained that having to set clocks back an hour in the fall had a negative impact on children and it’s “kind of created a life of its own.”

“If you look at statistics on when people typically shop, they typically shop during the daytime. Because some people aren’t real comfortable going to the mall, going to shops, when it’s dark outside,” Steube said. “I’ve heard from mayors from all across the state because they’re going to save money on softball fields because it will stay light later in the day.”

Daylight-saving time occurs between 2 a.m. on the second Sunday in March and 2 a.m. on the first Sunday in November of each year.

A Senate staff analysis noted that there would be “indeterminate” and “insignificant” costs tied to the change as people would have to reprogram computers and other electronic devices so the automatic change of clocks wouldn’t occur each spring and fall.

Under the bill, dubbed the “Sunshine Protection Act,” the U.S. transportation secretary would have to initiate rulemaking to redesignate the portions of Florida that currently lie within the Central time zone to the Eastern time zone. Congress would have to approve legislation to allow the state to remain under year-round daylight-saving time.

Steube’s proposal must still go before the Senate Commerce and Tourism and Rules committees.

The House version, which doesn’t include putting the Panhandle counties into the same time zone as the rest of the state, is scheduled to make its first appearance before the House Local, Federal and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Wednesday.

by Jim Turner The News Service of Florida

Byrneville Elementary Releases Honor Roll

January 24, 2018

Byrneville Elementary School named the following students to their honor roll for the second nine weeks of the school year:

Mrs.Barberree-Kindergarten


All Satisfactory:

  • Tyrus Bradley
  • Trusten Brown
  • Lainey Dunsford
  • Maggy Dunsford
  • Madelyn Faulk
  • Russell LeMesurier
  • Hailey Levins
  • Keaten Odom
  • Sawyer Odom
  • Cam’Ron Reed

Mrs. Seales-Kindergarten


All Satisfactory:

  • Tyree Baker
  • Zacharie Barrow
  • Jayden Carter
  • Kyle Lowery
  • Alydia Sutton
  • Zane Therrell
  • Nevaeh Tidd
  • Caesar Whorff
  • Madyson Wiggins

Mrs. Slade-Kindergarten


All Satisfactory:

  • Madison Brazwell
  • Rilee Campbell
  • Jameson Eli Evans
  • Brian Madison
  • Douglas Maxwell
  • Kinsley McKinnon
  • Bentley Sanders
  • Maryann Tedder
  • Jakiy’rah Thomas

Ms. Brown-1st Grade


“A” Honor Roll:

  • Ethan Carter
  • Allison Grant
  • Bryce Miller
  • Kaden Smith
  • Ember Claire Waters
  • Bryce Yoder

“A/B” Honor Roll:

  • Landon Barrow
  • Mazie Burkett
  • McKenzie Griffis
  • Ty Jackson
  • Brandon Lambeth
  • Brooklyn Miller
  • Molly Powell
  • Zi’nique Smith

Mrs. Kitchin-1st Grade

“A” Honor Roll:

  • A/zariyah Elliott
  • Olivia Levins
  • Tyson Milliken
  • Natalie Rogers

“A/B” Honor Roll:

  • Clark Burt
  • Anastasia Cooley
  • Bryce Giger
  • Carson Headden
  • Dylen McCaw
  • SaRai McKee
  • Brody Rigby
  • Layla Schoonover

Mrs. Linton-2nd Grade

“A” Honor Roll:

  • Elizabeth Gilley
  • Meeyah Lassiter

“A/B” Honor Roll:

  • Jaxon Anderson
  • Emma Godwin
  • Katelyn Levins
  • Olina Miles
  • Lola Weldon
  • Jeniyah Woods

Mrs. Moorhead-2nd Grade


“A” Honor Roll:

  • Briley Beers
  • Lyla Calloway
  • Sierra Carnley

“A/B” Honor Roll:

  • Nicholas Long
  • Mason McKinnon
  • Darien Smith
  • Olivia Thomas
  • Zane Weaver
  • Cecelia Whorff

Mrs. Dunsford-3rd Grade

“A” Honor Roll:

  • Aleah Livingston
  • Jase Portwood

“A/B” Honor Roll:

  • Valeria Franco
  • Warner Maxwell
  • Isaiah Phifer
  • Trenton Wright

Mrs. Weaver-3rd Grade

“A” Honor Roll:

  • Lexi Bingham
  • Taylor Curtis
  • Gabrielle Hawsey
  • Layla Jordan
  • Caleb Levins
  • Cannon Whorff
  • Allison Yoder

“A/B” Honor Roll:

  • Michael Brazwell
  • Kayden Harwell
  • Preston Hudson
  • Benji Parker
  • Aleah Therrell
  • Bonnie Trump

Mrs. Marshman-4th Grade

“A” Honor Roll:

  • Elizabeth Coleman
  • Luke Godwin
  • Savannah Hudson
  • Christian Velazquez

“A/B” Honor Roll:

  • Cameron Bourgeois
  • Tyler Carach
  • Mary-Clayton Dawson
  • Ryder Lee
  • Makenzie Levins
  • Easten Odom
  • Bree Roberson
  • Evelyn Smith

Mrs. Thornton-4th Grade

“A” Honor Roll:

  • London Brooks
  • Andrew Plant
  • Braxton Wagner
  • “A/B” Honor Roll:
  • Jaycee Harvell
  • Sawyer Jackson
  • Hanah Lambeth

Mrs. Johnston-5th Grade

“A” Honor Roll:

  • Evin Matlock
  • Mia Turner-White
  • Brian Yoder

“A/B” Honor Roll:

  • Logan Bevins
  • Zack Herndon
  • Raegan Kimmons
  • Mia Kornegay
  • Allie Odom

Ms. Singleton-5th Grade

“A” Honor Roll:

  • Maddie Mae Driskell
  • Madison Levins
  • Riley Long
  • Addisen Miller

“A/B” Honor Roll:

  • Kerrisa Dortch
  • Jade Howell
  • Kelan Jurey
  • Adam Waller

Walnut Hill Woman Arrested For Possession Of Crack, Heroin And Meth

January 24, 2018

A Walnut Hill woman was arrested on multiple felony drug counts after a traffic stop in Pensacola.

Victoria Lynn Burkett, 30, was charged with three felony counts of a possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of crack cocaine, possession of heroin, possession of methamphetamine and four counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.

An Escambia County deputy on patrol stopped a Nissan Altima driven by Burkett on Fairfield Drive at Missin Road. An Escambia County K-9 gave a positive search indication on the vehicle, prompting a search. Deputies found a white rock that tested positive for cocaine, a crystal rock substance that had a presumptive positive test for methamphetamine, a small bag of crystal meth, two syringes containing liquids and  spoon with residue, according to an arrest report.

Burkett was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $12,000 bond.

The PB&J sandwich: A Classic On National Peanut Butter Day

January 24, 2018

The peanut butter and jelly sandwich is as about as American as apple pie. National Peanut Butter Day was Jan. 24.

The average American schoolchild will consume about 1,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches by the time he or she graduates from high school, according to the Peanut Advisory Board, a nonprofit organization dedicated to research on the nutritional value of peanuts.

Libbie Johnson, agricultural agent for UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County and co-organizer of the annual Peanut Butter Challenge for the Florida Panhandle, explained the popularity of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

“Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches taste so darn good,” Johnson said. “Or maybe because they require no refrigeration and are easy to prepare. They have enough sweetness to satisfy a sweet tooth, but they’re filling.”

Nan Jensen, a family and consumer sciences agent with UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County offers a more expansive explanation.

“It probably has to do with a combination of taste and nostalgia,” Jensen said. “The savory, gooey texture of peanut butter paired with sweet, sticky jelly served between two slices of your favorite bread make for a great flavor combination. Most of us grew up eating PB&J sandwiches — a lunch box staple — and the tradition has been passed down through the generations.”

But peanut butter’s value also lie in its nutrients, she said.

“While it is high in fat and calories, it is a healthier monounsaturated type, and you are getting some protein, magnesium, niacin, phosphorous and vitamin E for your calorie investment,” Jensen said.

Extension faculty suggest limiting intake to about 2 tablespoons – about 180 calories. Jensen offers additional advice to try to ensure people get nutrition without so much unhealthy trans fats and added sugar in their peanut butter: Buy peanut butter that is just ground peanuts with a hint of salt and one that doesn’t contain the partially hydrogenated fat and added sugars.

Consumers can do much more with peanut butter than make PB&J sandwiches. Jensen suggests some tasty, unique ways to use peanut butter:

  • Put it in a smoothie.
  • Make a sauce.
  • Add it to soup.
  • Bake with it.
  • Use it as a dipper for fruit and veggies.

Sunny, Middle 50’s Today

January 24, 2018

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 61. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.

Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 61. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 49. East wind around 5 mph.

Saturday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 63. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday Night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 53. East wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 40.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 59.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 36.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 60.

Bill Would Require ‘In God We Trust’ To Be Displayed At Schools

January 24, 2018

With supporters saying the motto is a “foundation” of the state and country, a House panel Tuesday approved a bill that would require the message “In God We Trust” to be displayed at all public schools.

“In God We Trust” is included in state law as Florida’s official motto.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Kimberly Daniels, D-Jacksonville, and Rep. Mel Ponder, R-Destin, would require school boards to adopt rules ensuring that the motto would be displayed in a “conspicuous place” in each school.

“There’s a saying that if the foundation is destroyed, what can we do?” Daniels said before the House PreK-12 Innovation Subcommittee approved the bill. Sen. Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, has filed an identical bill, but it has not been heard in Senate committees.

Pictured: “In God We Trust” appears on the Florida state flag.

Ingrid R. Severson

January 24, 2018

Ingrid R. Severson, of Pensacola, passed away Thursday, January 18, 2018 at the age of 79. She was born June 3, 1938 in Konigsberg East Prussia, the daughter of Grete and Heinrich Bendig. Ingrid enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a member of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection.

Ingrid will be greatly missed by her husband Duane; children, Elke Rother Kirkwood, Lars (Kathy) Severson, and Kirsten (Todd) Thayer; sister, Monica (Peter) Lier; grandchildren, Jeffrey Kirkwood, Katie Severson, Taylor Severson, Julie Thayer, Nathan Thayer and Max Thayer.

Visitation will be Friday January 26, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. with the funeral service starting at 12:30 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection. Ingrid will be buried at Barrancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station Pensacola. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, www.jdrf.org .

Video Catches Shootout At Escambia County Intersection

January 23, 2018

One man has been arrested and deputies are seeking a second suspect after two people opened fire at a busy intersection on Monday.

Dash cam video from a nearby vehicle shows a silver Lexus pull up to the intersection of W Street and Fairfield Drive about noon.  A man, later identified as 27-year old Jonathan James Harris is seen leaning out the open driver’s window of a silver Lexus. He begins firing across a traffic lane at a gold Toyota driven by 31-year old Jeremy Olds.

The man identified as Olds jumps out of the Toyota and returns fire..

Olds has been located and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Deputies are still searching for Harris.

Authorities have estimated that 10-12 rounds were fired, including rounds that struck a nearby vehicle with two children inside.

Deputies said the shooting was likely drug related.

Anyone with information on Harris or the shooting is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.

Bobcat Loader Stolen From Molino Business Recovered Hidden In Wooded Area

January 23, 2018

A Bobcat stolen from a Molino store two weeks ago was recovered Monday in a wooded area less than five miles away.

The $30,000 Bobcat skid was stolen over the long New Year’s weekend from inside a warehouse at HH Feed and Seed on Highway 97. Employees discovered the break-in when they returned to work January 3.

Monday, the store received a call from a man who had found the Bobcat along a logging road on property near Brickton Road in Molino. The Bobcat had been wrapped in a tarp and covered with vegetation.

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded, recovered the Bobcat and processed the crime scene.

The store owners are still offering  reward for additional information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s).

When the Bobcat was stolen, the thief apparently cut power to both buildings at HH Feed and Seed at about 1:38 a.m. Saturday, December 30 in an attempt to disable the surveillance system, and they destroyed cameras. The skid steer was then loaded onto a trailer and removed from the premises.

Items in the company’s warehouse were damaged during the theft.

Anyone with information on the burglary is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.

Pictured: The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigates after a stolen Bobcat was recovered in a wooded area in Molino on Monday. Pictured inset and first photo below: The Bobcat was concealed with a tarp and vegetation. The Bobcat is hidden in the left of the photo below. Pictured bottom photos: The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigated the theft on January 3. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Clear Skies, Seasonable Temps

January 23, 2018

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 63. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 36. North wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 57. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34. North wind around 5 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 60. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 37. East wind around 5 mph.

Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 62. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 50. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 64. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday Night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 52. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 61.

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