Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Hosting Tryouts
January 12, 2018
Pensacola Beach Lifeguards will host a tryout event Saturday, January 20. Starting pay is $14.57 per hour.
The tryouts will take place at 7 a.m. at the University of West Florida Aquatic Center, located at 11000 University Parkway, Bldg. 72. Applicants are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes early and to bring all relevant certifications to the tryout event.
Position requirements for employment include the following:
- Able to swim 600 yards in a pool in 10 minutes or less
- Able to run 1.5 miles on a track in 12 minutes or less
- Be at least 16 years old
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification is preferred
Attending and passing a tryout is required to be considered for employment. If you pass the physical tests in the allotted time and meet all of the other requirements, you will be scheduled for an interview. If selected to be hired, you will receive paid training. Training includes, but is not limited to, successfully passing 80 hours of open water training and emergency medical training.
Please click here to fill out an online application prior to the tryout.
For more information, contact Senior Lifeguard Alexander Johnson at 850-503-1799 or at adjohnson@myescambia.com.
Local Schools, Students Place In FFA-Sub-District Career Developments
January 12, 2018
Local schools and students placed during the FFA-Sub-District Career Developments last month. They were:
Middle School Extemporaneous Speaking
1st Beulah Academy of Science
Opening and Closing Ceremony
1st Jay Middle School
2nd Central Middle School
3rd Lead Academy
Safe Tractor Operations and Maintenance
1st Zach Rutherford, Central High School
2nd Donnie Dixon, Northview High School
3rd Logan Cooley, Jay High School
High School Prepared Public Speaking
1st Avery Young, Take High School
2nd Raleigh Woodfin, Northview High School
3rd Tamara Barnes, West Florida High School
High School Extemporaneous Speaking
1st Gab Ferguson, Tate High School
2nd Kylie Schwarz, Tate High School
3rd Cody Kite, Northview High School
FFA Creed Speaking
1st Amber Gilman, Northview High School
2nd Jackson Arnold, Central High School
3rd Nathan Neal, Tate High School
Parliamentary Procedure
1st Tate High School
2nd West Florida High School
3rd Northview High School
Medicaid Work Requirement Unlikely In Florida
January 12, 2018
While the Trump administration signaled willingness this week to allow work requirements for Medicaid beneficiaries, the Florida Legislature is unlikely to move ahead with such a mandate this year.
House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, told The News Service of Florida on Wednesday that the state’s $26 billion Medicaid program is comprised mostly of children and seniors and that work requirements are more geared toward able-bodied adults who qualify for Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, commonly called Obamacare.
“I think that’s geared toward Obamacare expansion, not to our plan since we didn’t expand,” Corcoran said of imposing work requirements. “We don’t have childless able-bodied working age adults in our system, so I don’t know how that would transpose to us. If you look at our Medicaid population, mostly children, mostly seniors, and single pregnant moms, I don’t think that is necessarily something that we would do.”
There are about 4 million people enrolled in Florida’s Medicaid program, making it the fourth largest in the nation in terms of population, according to Medicaid Director Beth Kidder. Estimated spending on the program will be just under $27 billion this year, making it the fifth-largest program in the nation in terms of spending.
Kerri Wyland, a spokeswoman for Gov. Rick Scott, did not directly answer whether Scott would support work requirements or co-payments for the Medicaid program. “This would require legislative action. Governor Scott will review any bill that reaches his desk,” she said in an email.
The Trump administration on Wednesday sent a letter to state Medicaid directors announcing a policy to authorize work requirements for states with what are known as “Medicaid 1115 waivers.” Florida has such a waiver.
“Subject to the full federal review process, CMS (the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) will support state efforts to test incentives that make participation in work or other community engagement a requirement for continued Medicaid eligibility or coverage for certain adult Medicaid beneficiaries in demonstration projects authorized under section 1115 of the Social Security Act,” the letter said. “Such programs should be designed to promote better mental, physical, and emotional health in furtherance of Medicaid program objectives. Such programs may also, separately, be designed to help individuals and families rise out of poverty and attain independence, also in furtherance of Medicaid program objectives.”
States would have the flexibility to identify activities other than employment that promote health and wellness and could include community service, caregiving or job training.
Mandating work requirements has been a long-standing priority for conservatives, and the Trump administration announcement reverses previous policies that prevented states from requiring Medicaid beneficiaries to work to qualify for the program.
While Corcoran said the House won’t move ahead with the idea this year, the Republican-led chamber considered it last year. Rep. Travis Cummings, R-Orange Park, introduced a bill that would have required all Medicaid beneficiaries who are part of the state’s “managed medical assistance” program to adhere to the same work requirements that currently apply to families who receive temporary cash assistance.
The bill also would have required Medicaid enrollees to pay monthly premiums to remain enrolled in the managed medical assistance program, which involves enrolling in managed-care plans.
The Florida Senate in 2015 proposed expanding Medicaid under Obamacare and included in its proposal a mandate that eligible adults work to receive the benefits.
But Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Chairwoman Anitere Flores, R-Miami, said the Senate has not discussed requiring those currently enrolled in the program to work.
“Should eligible Medicaid recipients be looking for work or be trying to work? Yes,” Flores said. “Should that be a barrier to getting benefits? Probably not.”
by Kristine Sexton, The News Service of Florida
New Escambia County Annual Report Available Online
January 12, 2018
The Fiscal Year 2016-17 Escambia County Board of County Commissioners’ Annual Report is now available online and in printable PDF form, featuring a variety of county-related information for citizens.
To view the annual report, click here. To download the PDF version, click here.
Escambia County’s annual report is filled with information about county services throughout the community, ongoing county projects and an overview of accomplishments during the fiscal year, which began Oct. 1, 2016 and ended Sept. 30, 2017.
The annual report also allows residents to easily access statistics, review the county’s organizational chart and learn more about the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners and its departments. The statistics and budget pages include data about grant funding, local option sales tax spending and more.
Betty Jean Price
January 12, 2018
Mrs. Betty Jean Price, age 75, of Flomaton, AL passed away on Friday, January 12, 2018 in Pensacola, FL.
Mrs. Price was born in Century, FL and had been a resident of the Flomaton community where she was a homemaker and a member of Little Escambia Baptist Church. She loved to sew, crochet, and playing with her grandbabies. She loved her cat, Little Bob. Mrs. Price was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Louise Knowles Carnley; her husband, William ‘Bill’ Price, and son, Warren ‘BoBo’ Burkett.
She is survived by her daughters, Ruby (Mark) Bagley of Jay, FL, Nancy (Joe) Heins of Denver, CO, Neva (Jeff) McQuarrie of Dumfries, VA; son, Jonathan Price of Pensacola, FL; nine grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Monday, January 15, 2018 at Little Escambia Baptist Church from 1 PM until a 2 PM service time with Dr. Larry Patterson and Rev. Jonathan Hill officiating.
Intement will follow in Little Escambia Church Cemetery, Flomaton, AL.
Pallbearer will be Christopher Miller, Mark Bagley, Joe Heins, Levi Findley, Kevin Gray, Tommy Knowles, Billy Ray Watson.
Ronald David Goodman
January 12, 2018
Ronald David Goodman, age 61 of Cantonment, Florida, left his earthly home and went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 6, 2018.
He was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Hal T. Goodman, Sr. and his sister, Julie Burnette Goodman.
He is survived by his wife – Karen Williams Goodman, his mother – Nelle Burnette Goodman, sister – Rhetta Goodman, brother, Hal T. “Tim” Goodman, Jr., parents-in-law – Rev. Curtis and Mrs. Dolly Williams, several aunts, uncles and cousins, and many sons, daughters, brothers and sisters in Christ.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Apple of His Eye Ministries, P.O. Box 22, Cantonment, Florida .
There were very few times in Ron’s life when he got in a hurry. The first was at his birth – late on a chilly December night our parents almost did not make it to the hospital before he appeared in the wee hours of December 27. Then, last Saturday night, he left this earth very quickly to go be with His Lord, without even saying good-bye.
Ron was born “the son of a preacher man,” hearing about Jesus from the very beginning. When he was 3 or 4 years old he was riding his tricycle in the back yard while Mama was hanging out clothes. He said, “Mama, Rhetta is saved, isn’t she?” Mama said yes. He then asked, “I’m not saved, am I?” Mama said, “No, do you want to be?” He did, and she led him in asking Jesus to be His Savior. Did he live like Jesus, from that day on? No, like most of the rest of us he hit some rough spots along the way, especially as a young teen. But in his junior or senior year of high school – he had a literal “upper room” experience with the Lord. He was baptized with the Holy Spirit and answered the Lord’s call to serve Him with the many gifts he had been given as guitarist, vocalist, psalmist, teacher. His passion in life was making music to glorify God. He was a gifted musician and psalmist – one of the best guitarists and vocalists around!
After graduating from Anniston High School in Anniston, AL in 1974, he enrolled in Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, GA, and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Ministries in 1978. While there he sang in a Gospel Quartet and helped form and play in what probably was the first Christian Rock Band on campus.
He served in various capacities of ministry after college in the Huntsville, AL/Fayetteville, TN area – where he also had a job as the “slaw chef” at a local KFC. He served as pastor of a small congregation in Enterprise, AL. He came to the Cantonment area and served as a youth leader at Cantonment Pentecostal Holiness Church where his dad was pastor. Several young men testify of his impact on their lives during this time of ministry.
He courted and married Karen “Kay” Williams, he would say one of the best things he ever did. They settled in Pensacola and he took a position as Job Estimator for a commercial paint contractor. He stayed with that career choice. His last boss, Wilson Robertson, once said he was the best job estimator around. He was employed by Robertson-Curtis at the time of his passing.
Ron was privileged to become a part of the Brownsville Revival – singing on the worship team, in the choir and playing his guitar. He and Karen later established Apple of His Eye Ministries which included a fellowship group in their home and ministry to Israel – where he took every opportunity to lead people into the presence of the Lord through music.
Three years ago, last December, Ron suffered a stroke, which greatly affected his ability to express his musical gifts. That, combined with his on-going battle with diabetes and its effects, were very hard on him, physically and emotionally. We were praying for God to completely restore him, and He chose to do just that, just not in the way our minds had pre-conceived. He is now completely made whole and in the Presence of Jesus, our Savior and Lord!
Friends were invited to a visitation with the family on Friday, January 12, 2018 at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home which was immediately followed by a service.
Arrangements were entrusted to Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home.
Melvin Findley
January 12, 2018
Mr. Melvin Findley, age 85, passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2018 in Pensacola, Florida.
Mr. Findley was a native and life long resident of Century, FL. He was an RN for 35 years with various local hospitals and nursing homes. He was a member of the Poplar Dell Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Sarah Findley, granddaughter, Lori Simmons, great granddaughter, Zoey Simmons and two brothers, Paul Findley and Shorty Findley.
He is survived by his two daughters, Brenda Jernigan of Byrneville, FL and Cathy (Jacky) Smith of Flomaton, AL; one sister, Sharon Hood of Brierfiled, AL; one grandchild, Natasha Crapps of Molino, FL and two great grandchildren, Jaden Simmons of Flomaton, AL and Sarah Crapps of Molino, FL.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, January 14, 2018 at 2:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Mitch Herring officiating.
Burial will follow at the Flomaton Cemetery.
Visitation will be Saturday, January 13, 2018 from 6 to 9 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Eugene Findley, Danny Findley, David Findley, Larry Stuckey, Eric Dortch and Jake Wright.
William Lawrence Smith III
January 12, 2018
William Lawrence Smith III, age 76, passed away peacefully January 11, 2018.
He was born and raised in Homestead, Florida. He graduated from South Dade Senior High (Class of ‘59). He retired as a meat market manager for Publix Supermarkets.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Smith.
He will be forever loved and remembered by his wife, Pauline; daughter, Shannon Grandey; granddaughter, Savannah Grandey; stepdaughter, Susan Stephens; stepson and daughter-in- law, John and Tonya Stephens; step grandchildren, Mallory Stephens, Chance Stephens, and Kaitlyn Stephens; sister, Linda Bonham.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 14, 2018, from 5-7 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held, Monday January 15, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Pensacola Memorial Gardens at 7433 Pine Forest Road.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Jerry O’Neal Carver
January 12, 2018
Jerry O’Neal Carver, 62, a native of Atmore, AL passed away January 8, 2018. For approximately 18 years he worked as a union insulator as a subcontractor. Jerry was an avid turkey hunter and an outdoorsman. He was always a happy-go- lucky person who never met a stranger. Jerry was an extremely talented artist who built bird houses which looked like log cabins, stained glass art especially angels, and homemade knives. He was very active in Carney Lodge 549, F&AM of
Atmore, AL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul D. and Velma Carver and his wife, June Mathis Carver. Survivors are his children: Bridget (Christopher) Stanley; Leighton (Missy) Spicer David (Rachel) Spicer and Alidia (Ed) Tecon; a brother and two nieces; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
A graveside service with Masonic Honors will be conducted at Oak Hill Cemetery at 2:00 PM Sunday, January 14, 2018.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Firefighters Save Dog From Molino Mobile Home Fire; Two People Displaced
January 11, 2018
Thursday morning, firefighters saved a small dog from a mobile home fire in Molino that displaced two people.
The fire was reported shortly before 8 a.m. on Rumford Road off Duxbury Avenue. Firefighters arrived to find light smoke coming from the 2,000 square foot mobile home. The fire reportedly originated in the the laundry room.
During a search of the home, a small dog was located and removed from the structure. Escambia County EMS provided the dog with oxygen and water.
Two adults living in the mobile home were temporarily displaced by the fire.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
