Library Summer Reading Program Begins May 29
May 27, 2018
Summer Reading Club 2018 “Libraries Rock” will kick off at all West Florida Public Libraries locations on Tuesday, May 29, with opportunities for adults and youth to participate and be entered to win a variety of prizes.
Participants and parents wanting to sign up their children may do so at any WFPL branch from May 29 through Aug. 4.
Youth ages 0-17 will get reading logs to keep track of every 15 minutes they read. After 12.5 hours of reading, they get a free book and a bonus reading log to be entered for additional prizes.
Youth prizes include books, ukuleles, tablets, Bluetooth speakers, bongo drums, otamatones, karaoke machines, musical instrument sets, light-up gloves and disco ball, voice-changing microphones and firetruck rides to school for a few lucky students.
Summer Reading Club youth programs include Tampa Taiko Drummers, Roger Day, The Moogician, Magical Poodles, Mike Artell, Reno’s Reptiles, Bucky & GiGi, Quite a Catch and Animal Tales (schedule below).
Adults will have a separate Summer Reading Club with prizes including ukuleles, tablets, Adirondack chairs and gift cards.
Escambia County residents 18 years old and above can pick up a Summer Reading Club log bookmark at any WFPL location. Fill in the bookmark with the titles of books that you read or listen to via audiobook during the summer and return the filled-in bookmarks to any location. During the first week in August, partially filled in bookmarks will be accepted.
Drawings will take place during the first week of August. Winners will be notified by Tuesday, Aug. 7. At the halfway mark, youth and adult Summer Reading Club participants will be entered in a drawing for six chickens and a coop. The winner of the chicken coop must complete Chicken Keeping 101 class held at Pensacola Library.
There will also be a top prize drawing for a keyboard at the end of Summer Reading Club, which is open to youth and adult participants.
Summer Reading Club programs for children:
Tampa Taiko Drummers
- Tuesday, June 5, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library – Weather permitting program will be held at Big Lagoon State Amphitheater
- Tuesday, June 5, 4 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 6, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 6, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, June 7, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
- Friday, June 8, 11 a.m. – Tryon Branch Library
Tampa Taiko is back this summer with a dynamic, interactive show featuring Japanese Taiko drums
Roger Day, Musician
- Tuesday, June 12, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library – Weather permitting program will be held at Big Lagoon State Park Amphitheater
- Tuesday, June 12, 4 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 13, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 13, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, June 14, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
- Friday, June 15, 11 a.m. – Tryon Branch Library
Award winning children’s musician Roger Day has played with the Indigo Girls, Nancy Griffith and the Crickets (Buddy Holly’s band). You don’t want to miss his performance!
The Moogician, Entertainer
- Tuesday, June 19, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library – Weather permitting program will be held at Big Lagoon State Park Amphitheater
- Tuesday, June 19, 4 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 20, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 20, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, June 21, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
Todd Charles (the Moogician) combines magic, music and milk in a creative comedy show for kids.
Mike Artell, Artist
- Tuesday, June 26, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library – Weather permitting program will be held at Big Lagoon State Park Amphitheater
- Tuesday, June 26, 4 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 27, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 27, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, June 28, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
- Friday, June 29, 11 a.m. – Tryon Branch Library
Mike Artell, author of “Petite Rouge The Cajun Red Riding Hood”, visits the library to share his unique talents including cartooning and music.
Steve Randal Smith
May 27, 2018
Steve Randal Smith was born April 24, 1946, and lived 71 years, 11 months and 10 days until a 17-year battle with cancer ended his life on March 14, 2018.
Randal is survived by his wife Suzanne; children Randal (Ginjer) and Lisa Bauer (Mike); grandchildren Brittany M., Brittany W., Mallory, Matthew, Bailee, Rilee, Jayme and Destiny; along with their mother Sarah Owen and a devoted brother John (Dale) and their children and cousins and friends.
Randal joined the USAF in 1968, after many tours settled in Biloxi, MS, until his retirement, then moved back to Pensacola. Randal enjoyed his family and researching genealogy during these years.
Randal was laid to rest with a private family graveside at Highland Baptist Church on March 24, 2018. A Remembrance Day will be observed on June 3, 2018, from 2-4 p.m. at the Molino Community Center.
No Injuries In Kingsfield Road Crash
May 27, 2018
There were no injuries in a single vehicle crash Sunday morning on West Kingsfield Road near South Highway 97. The driver of a Ford F150 left the roadway and struck a guardrail. The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Munson Wreck Claims One Life
May 26, 2018
A Saturday morning wreck claimed a life near Munson.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 21-year old Barrett Ira Strickland of Milton was traveling east on Munson Highway near Coldwater Horse Trail when his 2002 Toyota Tacoma left the roadway and overturned.
He was pronounced deceased on the scene of the 7:55 a.m. crash.
Tropical Storm Warning In Effect
May 26, 2018
The center of Subtropical Storm Alberto has reformed a little to the northeast, as of the 10 p.m. advisory.
A tropical storm warning has been issued as Subtropical Storm Alberto moves toward a landfall on the upper Gulf Coast.
The biggest threat to the North Escambia area is currently forecast to be rain and flooding. The area remains under an extreme flood threat Saturday through Tuesday. Rainfall amounts of 6-12 inches are possible with localized amounts of 12 to 24 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Moderate to major flooding is possible along area rivers and creeks, and widespread flash flooding is possible.
For the latest North Escambia forecast, click here.
![[Image of probabilities of 34-kt winds]](https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/storm_graphics/AT01/refresh/AL012018_wind_probs_34_F120+png/210148.png)
![[Image of WPC QPF U.S. rainfall potential]](https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/storm_graphics/AT01/refresh/AL0118WPCQPF+gif/210148WPCQPF_sm.gif)
Man, 98, Critically Injured When Tractor Overturns
May 26, 2018
A 98-year old man was critically injured Friday evening when his tractor overturned.
The man was deep in a wooded area on South County Road 97, near West Kingsfield Road. He was airlifted to an area hospital as a “trauma alert”.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Firefighters Rescue Cat From Smoke Filled Home
May 26, 2018
Firefighters saved a cat from a house filled with smoke Friday afternoon on Alysheba Lane in Cantonment. We’re told the cat is expected to make a full recovery.
We are told the firefighter in the photo holding the cat is Rokisha Johnson from the Bellview Station of Escambia Fire Rescue.
There were no injuries reported. Further information on the4 p.m. incident were not available.
Reader submitted photos by Sarah Padgett for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Heavy Rain Forecast, Extreme Flooding Threat
May 26, 2018
The biggest threat to the North Escambia area from Tropical Storm Alberto is currently forecast to be rain and flooding. The area remains under an extreme flood threat Saturday through Tuesday. Rainfall amounts of 6-12 inches are possible with localized amounts of 12 to 24 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Moderate to major flooding is possible along area rivers and creeks, and widespread flash flooding is possible.
For the latest forecast information on Alberto, click here.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
TROPICAL STORM WATCH
The biggest threat to the North Escambia area is currently forecast to be rain and flooding. The area remains under an extreme flood threat Saturday through Tuesday. Rainfall amounts of 6-12 inches are possible with localized amounts of 12 to 24 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Moderate to major flooding is possible along area rivers and creeks, and widespread flash flooding is possible.v
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 82. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 73. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Memorial Day: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 82. Windy, with an east wind 15 to 20 mph increasing to 25 to 30 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Monday Night: Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Tuesday: Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 84. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Tuesday Night: Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday: Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Publix Suspends Political Contributions Amid Uproar
May 26, 2018
Facing protests over its heavy contributions to gubernatorial candidate Adam Putnam, Publix announced Friday that it was suspending corporate political contributions “as we re-evaluate our giving processes.”
The supermarket giant has been embroiled in controversy after reports that it contributed more than $600,000 to Putnam’s gubernatorial campaign over the past three years.
Putnam, a Republican, has particularly become a target of criticism from gun-control advocates after the February 14 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Broward County.
“At Publix, we respect the students and members of the community who have chosen to express their voices on these issues,” the company said in Friday’s statement. “We regret our contributions have led to a divide in our community. We did not intend to put our associates and the customers they serve in the middle of a political debate. At the same time, we remain committed to maintaining a welcoming shopping environment for our customers. We would never knowingly disappoint our customers or the communities we serve. As a result, we decided earlier this week to suspend corporate-funded political contributions as we re-evaluate our giving processes.”
by The News Service of Florida
Judge Rules Ban On Smoking Medical Marijuana Is Unconstitutional
May 26, 2018
A state law banning patients from smoking medical marijuana is unconstitutional, a Tallahassee judge ruled late Friday.
In a highly anticipated but not surprising decision, Leon County Circuit Judge Karen Gievers found that a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2016 that broadly legalized medical marijuana gives eligible patients the right to smoke the treatment in private.
The law banning smoking of medical marijuana “is invalid because it conflicts with the Florida Constitution and prohibits a use of medical marijuana that is permitted by the amendment: smoking in private,” Gievers wrote in Friday’s 22-page order.
A spokesman for the Florida Department of Health said the state is expected to appeal, which likely would place Gievers’ order on hold.
Gievers’ decision came a little more than a week after a hearing in which Cathy Jordan, a patient who was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease more than three decades ago, told the judge she credits smoking joints with saving her life.
Jordan is among the plaintiffs in the lawsuit initiated by John Morgan, the Orlando trial lawyer who largely bankrolled what was known as Amendment 2. The prohibition on smoking medical marijuana was included in a law passed last year that implemented the constitutional amendment.
The amendment does not expressly authorize smoking pot but gives the state the authority to enact regulations regarding medical marijuana use, lawyers for the state have maintained.
But, agreeing with the plaintiffs, Gievers found that the language in the amendment “recognizes there is no right to smoke in public places, thereby implicitly recognizing the appropriateness of using smokable medical marijuana in private places consistent with the amendment.”
The “ability to smoke medical marijuana was implied” in the constitutional language “and is therefore a protected right,” Gievers wrote.
Shortly after Gievers’ opinion was released, Morgan tweeted: “When I start something I finish it. Truth prevails!! The voters will be done!! #BELIEVE #ForThePeople #NoSmokeIsAJoke.”
Sen. Bill Galvano, a Bradenton Republican who will take over as Senate president in the fall, said Friday evening he had not read the order but intended to review it to ascertain the judge’s reasoning. “It is a significant departure from what was passed (in the law),” he said.
Lawmakers enacted the prohibition on joints — derided as “no smoke is a joke” by critics — largely to protect the public from the ill effects of smoking, lawyers for the state argued during the May 16 hearing.
But Jon Mills, a former House speaker who was instrumental in crafting the amendment and represents the plaintiffs, insisted that the Constitution in a variety of ways allows smokable marijuana, including in how marijuana is defined.
For example, the constitutional amendment relied on a 2014 definition of marijuana in Florida criminal law, which includes “all parts of any plant of the genus Cannabis, whether growing or not.” That includes whole-flower marijuana, which is used for smoking, the plaintiffs contend.
Gievers agreed.
“The amendment addresses the role of each of the three branches of Florida’s government in making sure that those who need marijuana for treatment of their pertinent medical issues are able to have safe access to it, without restriction except that there is no right to smoke in public places,” she wrote.
During the May 16 hearing, Jordan — who relied on her husband to interpret her speech — testified that she was given three to five years to live after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, in 1986. She began smoking marijuana as a treatment a few years after she was diagnosed, Jordan said.
Other routes of administration — such as vaping — don’t work for her, Jordan said.
Smoking gives Jordan “dry mouth,” which offsets the excessive drooling caused by ALS, she said. And it relaxes her muscles, increases her appetite and helps combat depression, Jordan said.
“It just makes my life a lot more bearable,” said Jordan, who currently grows her own marijuana.
Ben Pollara, the campaign manager of the political committee behind Amendment 2, hailed the judge’s ruling.
“This is a huge victory for sick and suffering Floridians, who can now consume their medicine however they choose. And it’s a victory for voters, whose clear will had been thwarted by the Legislature. No smoke is a joke, and today the court agreed,” said Pollara, who’s also the head of the non-profit organization Florida for Care, which advocates for patients and the medical marijuana industry.
Friday’s decision was the second victory Gievers handed to patients who have challenged the state over medical-marijuana restrictions. Last month, she gave the go-ahead to Tampa strip-club owner Joe Redner to grow his own medical marijuana for “juicing.” The 77-year-old Redner’s doctors ordered the juicing treatment to keep his lung cancer in remission. The state has appealed Gievers’ decision.
Mills praised Gievers’ ruling in the smokable marijuana case.
“I’m delighted that the Constitution has prevailed,” he told The News Service of Florida. “This upholds the will of the people, and we’re grateful the justice system worked.”
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida