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Free Classifieds | Obituaries |

Escambia County Offers Sand For Sandbag Storm Prep

Escambia County is offering sand for sandbags for residents living in flood-prone areas. The sand is available on a first come, first served basis. Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels to one of the following locations (map):

• Travis M. Nelson Park -  4541 County Road 4
• Don Sutton Park – 2320 Crabtree Church Road
• Escambia County Road Department – 601 Highway 297-A
• Equestrian Center – 7750 Mobile Highway
• John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park – 555 E. Nine Mile Road
• Brent Athletic Park – 4711 N. W St.
• Ferry Pass Middle School – 8355 Yancey Lane, sand will be on the northwest corner of school property on Parazine Street
• Baars Field Athletic Park – 13001 Sorrento Road

Sandbags can be purchased  at most local hardware or home improvement stores, typically for a low cost.

Tate High School Class Of 2018 Graduates

The Tate High School Class of 2018 graduated Thursday morning at the Pensacola Bay Center.

“Without imperfections, sadness or failure, there really is no purpose to life,” Valedictorian Mollie Jean Anderson told her fellow graduates.

“If all of us were able to fly through life without failures or drama, we would have no life lessons to learn. If all of us were to live forever, there would be no no reason to live in the moment. And if were just handed everything in life, there would be no reason for us to strive to be our best.”

“Our biggest obstacle is the fear that we will fail in life,” Anderson added. “”Remember Class of 2018, if we are afraid to risk making mistakes, we will never learn to be brilliant.”

There were 97 graduates in the class that earned a final weighted GPA of 4.0 or above and 191 with a weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher, Principal Rick Shackle said.

Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said the Tate High School Class off 2018 collectively earned $5 million in scholarship money.

For additional photos, click here.

Graduates in the Tate High School Class of 2018 were:

Top 10 Percent

Mollie Jean Anderson -Valedictorian
Rosemary Virginia Smyth – Salutatorian
Matthew Gordon Blalock
Ashlyn Brooke Adams
Seth Tyler Godwin
Hannah Marie Huggins
Victoria Caroline Kelson
Hunter Scott Welch
Nathaniel Allen Walker
Shelby Melissa Jackson
Dylan Charles Brown
Riley Katherine Orr
Emma Katherine Grissom
Maurice Vonsha Hendricks
Madisyn Maelynn Mitchell
Allison Nicole Payne
Brandon Michael White
Ethan Andrew Hayes
Tyler Jacob Kintz
Thomas George Young
Jolie Rebecca Wise
Sydni Michael Solliday
Virginia Leigh Vaughan
Jodie Katherine Clanton
Elise Gabrielle Felt
Nicole Lauren Woods
Prestina Gail Sullivan
Joshua Nathanael Perdue
Kaitlyn Nicole Mcconkey
Kinsey Allison Gill
Jonathan Thomas Creek
Sarah Lindsey Washler
Camryn Brooke Daniels
Matthew Allen Sharpsteen
Samuel Lee Peterson
Ulysses Enrique Silguero
Daniel Wolff Hughes
Hannah Elizabeth Wellenkamp
Lathan David Lee
Kelsey Leighann Strength
Carley Marie Pope
Arial Elizabeth Hill
Josiah Michael Little
Olivia Jacquelin Brown
Jade Minori Edmonds
Sean Benton Rollins
Margaret Kathleen Pearce
Miranda Christine Avery
Trevor Logan Wiggins
Nathan Christopher Tubbs
Johnathon Kennedy Roy

Alphabetic Order

Charles Barrett Aaron
Briana Kelly Agcaoili
Imani Deshone Allen
Blake Aaron Anderson – Highest Honors
Cora Ann Andrews – Highest Honors
Kayla Mariah Andrews
Kyla Maria Andrews
Kameron Harold Armour
Emily Ann Arnold – Honors
Paul Thomas Ashton
Mckenna Reece Attaway
Grace Elizabeth Atteberry
Ethan George Austin – Highest Honors
Mikhail Quincy Autrey
Alexander James Babkin – Highest Honors
Savannah Bryce Bailey
Destini Kay Baines
Breonna Baker
Kylie Noelle Ball – Highest Honors
Angelina G Barco
Ray Allen Barker
Jonah Levi Barnes – Honors
Justin Remington Barnett
Ariel Nichole Barnette
Thomas Scott Barrow
Tiffany Simone Bartholemew
Maegan Rae Bass
Steven Edward Bates
Dametrius Nathaniel Baxley
Victoria Leigh Beard – Highest Honors
Jonathan Alexander Bennett
Ariana Marie Bice-Ortiz
Lauryn Taylor Birky
Mary Jordan Bishop – Honors
Megan Riley Blanchard
Emyiah Zhane Blanton
Ethan Reed Bloodworth – High Honors
Brenton Patrick Boone
Charles Jack Booth – Highest Honors
Aaron Mateo Bowen
Courtney Lynn Bowen – Honors
Gage Douglas Bowen
Joseph Alan Bowen
Kyle Michael Boyd – Honors
Gary Bradsher
Ginger Nicole Branham
Kyndal Julieann Bray – High Honors
Dakota Cameron Brazwell
Dakota Micheal Brooks
Jakob Avery Brooks
Cameron Cody Browder
Alexander Daniel Brown
Hannah Ruth Brown – Honors
Caroline Mackenzie Bruns – Honors
Troy Buchanan
Bekka Renae Buck – Honors
Jazmin Makenzee Buck
Jared Maurice Bullock
Carson Monroe Burgess
Aleaha Molly Burleigh
Kamron Alex Burnham
Christdelynn Summer Burns
Kierstin Marie Burt
Audrey Michell Bush – Honors
Jordan Renea Byrd
Jacob Robert Caddell
Tatyana Na-Om’i Caldwell
Salvatore John Caligiuri
Kristen Joyce Campbell – Honors
Zachary Clark Capehart – Highest Honors
John Tyler Capers
Marcus Daniel Capozzolo
Jaylin Joseph Carroll
Ataylor Christiana Carter
Kirsten Marie Carter
Gabriel Mathew Castro
Kayleigh Ann Cawthon
John Thomas Chamblee – High Honors
Khalil Jihad Chance – Highest Honors
Haley Alexis Chandler
Gabriella Delynn Chavez
Jasmine Nicole Chesteen – High Honors
Hamp Chever – High Honors
James Wilburn Chism
James Turner Cobb
Jacob Alexander Cochran
James Elijah Collins
Caleb Andrew Colon – Highest Honors
Rebecca Lynn Compton – Highest Honors
Leah Danielle Conklin – Honors
Lane C Connors – High Honors
Sharkia Tremeira Cooks
Donnie Tyler Courtney
Nadya Laniece Cowell
Jerni Lee Crabtree
Dylan Malone Cranford
Michael Dylan Cravatt
Lindsey Marie Crawford – Honors
De’avion Qua’sandri Dailey
Shante’ Monique Daniels – Honors
Brett Lee Davis
Destiny Rae Davison – High Honors
Brayden Michael Debusk
Ashley Nicole Dederick
Taylor Renee Delacruz
Bethany Louise Demuth
Jesus Alejandro Diaz-Sevilla – Honors
Kaylin Lea-Anne Dion
Milana Grace Dodson
Sydney Elise Doggrell – Highest Honors
Zachary Daniel Donaldson
Zoe Danielle Donaldson
Lillianna Grace Doolin – Honors
Tyler Emmett Dorsett
Audra Rose Doucette
Pace Michael Dowhal
Sue Ellen Stoecker Dumaguing – High Honors
Elizabeth Marie Durazo
Jonae Raquell Dye
Trent Bailey Dyer
Kevin Lawrence Early – High Honors
Brenna Elaine Ebitz – Highest Honors
Tara Noelle Elder
Jasmine Faith Enriquez
Katelyn Lashae Estill
Payton Olivia Estridge – Honors
Andrew Christian Evangelista – Honors
Kaylee Marie Everett – Honors
Bethany Farina – Highest Honors
Garrett Tyler Fenn
Tatiana Symone Floyd
Ahqwaya Maquina Foreman
Carl Wallace Foster
Robert Dawson Foster – Highest Honors
Dylan Neil Frederick
Dillan Coral Frisbie
Tatyana Mar’kasha Frost
Taylor Danielle Fuller
Scott Ian Fullerton
Brett Austin Galbreath
Nadiah V Gardner – High Honors
Morgan Larue Ghiorso
Jeffrey Thomas Gibbs
Deleigha Teundra Gibson
Courtnee Daniell Gill – Honors
Tyler Ruben Glass
Hannah Grace Gliott
Juanito Emilio Gonzalez – Honors
Scott Richard Gonzalez
Daulton Riley Goodale
Havana Faith Goodman
Moesha Denise Grandison
Amanda Deaunne Grant – Highest Honors
Joshua Keith Green – High Honors
Robert Christopher Green
Ronald Ryan Greene
Aidan Sebastian Gregg
Javon Tre’visaye Grice
Hayden Walker Griffith
Hayley Gale Groff – Honors
Kayley Diane Groff – Honors
Kendaisha Franchesca Gross – Highest Honors
Jillian Claire Gullahorn
Drew Zaylan Gulley
Morgan Leigh Guyette-Lancto – Highest Honors
Seth Starr Hagle
Shannon Reid Halfacre
Kortnee Alexis Hall
Alexandra Dale Hamilton
Logan Elizabeth Hamlin – Highest Honors
Parker Chase Hand
Zachary Chase Hardee
Braxton Allen Harding
Samantha Leigh Harrell
Michael Carlton Harrelson
Heather Ann Hart
Brendan Peter Harte – Honors
Khavory Laquan Hartwell
Brittany Noel Harvell – Honors
Alexandra Lynn Hatley
Emma Taylor Hedgepeth – Honors
Jordan Lee Heiny
Bailee Dawne Hempfling
Johnathan W Hendren – Honors
Miller Tate Hendrix
Brennan Charles Hicks
Shawn Tyler Hill
Tristen Jonathan Hill
Richmond Anthony Ho
Jeremiah Kamuela Hodge
Alexis Maria Holley
Kayvon Jacquez Holt
Brandon Lee Hood
Andrew Jacob Hoskins – High Honors
Alexandria Madison Howard
Caitlin Elizabeth Howard – Honors
Hayley Nicole Howard – Highest Honors
Kiley Faith Hudson
Deion Rowmello Hughes-Bess
Mason Jackson Humphries
Logan Leiterman Hunt
Wyatt Todd Hurst
Dawson Joseph Hux
Noah Joseph Hyatt
Zachary Richard Hyatt – High Honors
Christopher Hykes – Honors
Ashlyn Nicole Ivey – Honors
Tyler Alexander Jacke – High Honors
Kylee Marie Jackson – Highest Honors
Brady Conner Jacobs – Honors
Trent Mcsween Jeffcoat
Ashton Mitchell Johnson
Jacob Robert Johnson
Jaderian Keondre’ Johnson
Michael Tyler Johnson
Djimon Cinque Jones
Jessica Nichole Jones – Honors
Kayla Nicole Jones
Shermari Shaundel Jones
William Curtis Jones – Highest Honors
Dwayne Christopher Kelley – Honors
Zachary Tate Kempf – Honors
Kelly Michael Kennedy – Honors
Trinity Layne Kennedy – Highest Honors
Sydney Abbrielle King
Travis Von King
Blessing Leanne Kirk – Highest Honors
Brianna Nicole Koger
Peyton Elise Kozma
Hunter Lee Lambert
Henry Allen Langford
Reid Douglas Lassiter
Leanna Lynn Launstein – Honors
Woodnise Lauvince
Paula Allison Lavallee
Summer Nicole Lavallee
Hannah Angel Lawrence
Jayda Antoinette Lawrence
Azalyn Thi le
Dayton Todd Leckenby
Andrew Thomas Lee
Cheyanne Elizabeth Lee
Samuel Douglas Lee
Kayla Daiana Lett
Michael Antonios Lett – Highest Honors
Jessica Olivia Lewis – High Honors
Tavion Reshard Lockett
Trista Elise Lorenzana
Kyle Dylan Lovell – Honors
Madison Rose Lubin
Ashley Ruth Brianne Lundquist – Honors
Natasha Shana Madison
Brynna Kaeden Magruder
Bailey Ann Malvitch
Mathew Dean Manning
Candice Sierra Marshall
Janyia Rayianna Martin
Sage Brooke Marvin – Highest Honors
Tyler Bruce Massingale
Cheyenne Marie Mccarty
Tyree Christopher Mccarty
Jonathan Parker Mcclure
Sarah Caitlyn Mccool – Highest Honors
Bryce Andrew Mccoy – Highest Honors
Mykayla Deshay Mccray
Aurora Star Mcelveen
Christian Logan Mcghee – Honors
Molly Michelle Mcghee
Patrick Stephen Mchaney
Madilynn Rhae Mckinney
Rebecca Ann Mcleod
Shelby Elizabeth Mcmanus
Ashley Nichole Medici – Highest Honors
Emily Nicole Medley
Naomi Alexis Mehler – Highest Honors
Richard Alan Melton – Highest Honors
Lindsay Marie Mendiola – Highest Honors
Daymian Llord Meyer – Highest Honors
Kailyn Alyss Meyer
Allison Caid Miller
Cassandra Nicole Miller
Chance Austin Mitchell – Honors
Dustin Andrew Mitchell
Zaria Nytia Montgomery
Courtney Shea Moody – Honors
Gabriela Corrinne Moore
Kalaysha Talisha Moore
Kaleb Grayson Moore
Cameron James Morris
Chancy Megan Morris
Audrey Jean Morsch
Michael Samuel Morton
Crosby Alden Mowry
Jaxon Timothy Nagim
Kaycee Nicole Napie
Amber Skye Neal – Honors
Madisen Ann Nelson – Honors
Zachary Adam Nelson
Tuyen Thanh Nguyen
Tavares Cormail Nichols
Deazia Lebra Nickerson
Andrue James Nolen – Honors
Adam James Norre – Highest Honors
Blake Michael Norre – High Honors
Christian Connor Nowicki-Todavich – Honors
Jacob Edward Nowling
Frances Isabella Nunley
Rubin David O’donovan
Michaela Hope Overbey
Mallory Brooke Overstreet – High Honors
Charles Wesley Page
Ladarryl Derrell Paige
Skye Gabrielle Papillion
John Makennon Park
Jovan Gabrielle Parker
Anaya Naomi Nac Parnell – Honors
Jasmine Maxine Parsons – Honors
Krista Shayne Perry
Mary Elizabeth Phifer
Claire Alison Pierce
William Tyler Pierce
Jacob Timothy Pierle – High Honors
Sara Danielle Pigg
Hannah Nicole Plant
Kyle Joseph Polk
Brandon Robert Pollock – Honors
Dakota Len Porter
Austin Tyler Powell
Darren Bernard Price
Jamya Crisdasia Purifoy
Janya Janay Purifoy
Peyton Neal Purvis
Micah Grace Pyle
Luke Derrick Racine – Highest Honors
Donovan Charles Ray
Madison Claire Rayfield – Highest Honors
Terrell Bryshawn Rease
Taylor Rae Reaves
Mykaela Leeann Reed – High Honors
Kaitlyn Autumn Reeves – Highest Honors
Peter Anthony Reisterer
Richard Lawrence Renduels
Jennifer Brenn Repine
Gabriel Sebastian Reyes
Rusty Allen Richardson
Jasmine Yuchun Riddell
Allison Caroline Roach
Brianna Camilia Robbins – Honors
Albert Dale Roberts
Victoria Lynn Roberts
Amanda Marie Robinson
Dialmarie Isabelle Rodriguez
Liza Christina Rodriguez – Honors
Michael Hunter Rogers
Emily Grace Rohde
Carmen Lee Rolin
Taylor Victoria Rouchon – Highest Honors
Noah Zachery Rowell – Honors
Alexandria Taylor Rutledge
Joseph Michael Rzepka – Honors
Miranda Lynn Sanders
Daniella Sandoval
Samantha Lee Sanford – Honors
Lyric Yvette Savage – Honors
Savannah Marie Schaff
Sidney Josephine Schaff
Brooke Jean Schaufel
Madison Scout Seaber – Highest Honors
Devin James Searcy – Highest Honors
Lillian October Sellers – High Honors
Samantha Marie Sewell – Highest Honors
Levi Walker Shaffer – High Honors
Jamie Nicole Sharit
Maggie Olivia Sharritt
Dalton Neal Shenberger
Jesse Tate Sherrill – Honors
Dylan Kaileb Shipman
Alyson Michelle Shiver – Honors
Charletta Le’ann Shoemo
Gabriel Kristopher Short
Dawon Kweku Siaw
Cameron Javon Simmons
Tyler Charles Simon
Kaylie Elizabeth Simpson
Kathryn Danielle Skipper – Honors
Colin Shea Smith
Kevin Logan Smith
Lauren Taylor Smith – Honors
Nicholas Ray Smith
Katie Breann Snyder – High Honors
Zachary Adam Sorrels – Honors
Charles Vernon Spencer
Anthony Scott Stafford
Christopher Blaine Stafford
Jessica Lee Stanfill
Jeremiah Alexander Stearns
Sabra Colleen Stewart – High Honors
Jonathon Erich Stier
Ethan Chase Stillwell – Highest Honors
Jay Christopher Stromgren – Honors
Ja’lashia Nykeba Suggs – Honors
Holley Dawn Summers
Christopher a Sweatman – Honors
Nickolas Manuel Tafolla
Makayla Ryan Tainter
Alexya Mechelle Taylor
Kelli Kristine Taylor
Devin Donye Thomas
Jerol James Thomas – Highest Honors
Latoya Nakeshia Thompson
Garrett Michael Todd – Honors
Zachary William Toole – Highest Honors
Samuel Dalton Tubbs – Honors
Nolan Andrew Tuck
Madison Elaine Tur
Alondra Johanna Ubeda
Colby James Vann
Christian Lee Vannice
Anita Cheyanne Varnell
Alexander Ray Vassaur
Nina Ventura
Phillip Randolph Victor
Benjamin David Wagner – Honors
Chance William Wallace
Jasmine Edna Walton
Abigail Ann Ward
Austin Dwight Watson
Shawnderrick Tyrese Weaden
Patrick Michael White
Levi Ashton Wildt
Danielle Marie-Yv Williams
Latoya Lachelle Williams
Kenyon Rene Wolfe
Elizabeth Wolfenden
Kyanna Dominique Woods
Natalie Elizabeth Woods – Highest Honors
Casey Devynn Wright
Elijah Alexander Wright
Jasmine Deyanaira Yambo-Schellang
Alexander Wesley Young – Honors
Christian Deshon Young
Seth Michael Young

NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour and others, click to enlarge.

NOAA Predicts A Near Or Above Normal 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a 75-percent chance that the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season will be near- or above-normal.

Forecasters predict a 35 percent chance of an above-normal season, a 40 percent chance of a near-normal season, and a 25 percent chance of a below-normal season for the upcoming hurricane season, which extends from June 1 to November 30.

“With the advances made in hardware and computing over the course of the last year, the ability of NOAA scientists to both predict the path of storms and warn Americans who may find themselves in harm’s way is unprecedented,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “The devastating hurricane season of 2017 demonstrated the necessity for prompt and accurate hurricane forecasts.”

NOAA’s forecasters predict a 70-percent likelihood of 10 to 16 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 5 to 9 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which 6 become hurricanes, including 3 major hurricanes.

Free Summer Meals At The Century, Molino And Main Libraries

West Florida Public Libraries is partnering with Feeding the Gulf Coast as a feeding site for Feeding the Gulf Coast this summer. The program will run from Tuesday, May 29 to Friday, Aug. 3 for children 18 years of age and younger.

Meals will be available as follows:

• Molino Branch Library, 6450-A Highway 95A : Monday-Friday, breakfast from 9-10 a.m. and lunch from noon to 1 p.m.
• Century Branch Library, 7991 N. Century Blvd: Tuesday-Friday, lunch from noon to 1 p.m.
• Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St.: Monday-Friday, breakfast from 9-10 a.m. and lunch from noon to 1 p.m.

Caught On Camera: Funnel Cloud Forming In McDavid

A funnel cloud formation was caught on video Thursday evening in McDavid.  The video was shot near Highway 29 and Highway 164 about 6:14 p.m.

The National Weather Service in Mobile said the video appears to show a brief funnel cloud spinning up, possibly on an outflow boundary from a nearby line of strong storms. The NWS did not observe any noticeable rotation on radar.

There was no damage reported.

The video is below (from YouTube).

Video by Carrie Lassiter for NorthEcambia.com.

Elevated Flood Threat Begins This Weekend

The North Escambia area remains under an extreme flood threat Saturday through Tuesday. Rainfall amounts of 6-12 inches are possible with localized  amounts of 12 to 15 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Moderate to major flooding is possible along area rivers and creeks, and widespread flash flooding is possible.

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph.

Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 85. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northeast after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 83. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 69. Northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Memorial Day: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 84. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 70. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 85. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Tuesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.

Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.

Pot Rule Could Lead To More Challenges And Delays

Businesses seeking to enter Florida’s pot industry warned state health officials Thursday of numerous flaws in a proposed rule that would expand the number of medical marijuana operators but could lead to further delays in a process that’s already months overdue.

A hearing about the proposed rule came more than seven months after a legislatively mandated Oct. 3 deadline for the Department of Health to issue new medical-marijuana licenses, in what could be one of the country’s largest cannabis markets.

The proposed rule, released more than three weeks ago, set in motion the application process — considered far behind schedule by many legislators — for four highly sought-after licenses.

But the issues identified Thursday signaled possible legal or administrative challenges that could further postpone the issuance of licenses.

Lawmakers ordered the new licenses after voters approved a 2016 constitutional amendment that broadly legalized marijuana as a treatment for patients with debilitating medical conditions, including cancer, HIV/AIDS, post-traumatic stress disorder, Parkinson’s disease, ALS and multiple sclerosis.

Under a 2014 law that allowed limited types of medical cannabis, the Department of Health had awarded some licenses before the constitutional amendment passed. But the Legislature last year gave state health officials until Oct. 3 to grant 10 new licenses to marijuana operators who meet certain requirements, including applicants who were involved in litigation prior to January 2017.

In marijuana legislation this year, lawmakers did away with the Oct. 3 deadline — months after it had passed.

The state thus far has issued licenses to 13 operators, including a handful of new operators who met the criteria laid out in the 2017 law, but has yet to begin accepting applications for four new licenses to potential vendors who may not have participated in the process before.

The law requires one of the new licenses to go to a black farmer who was involved in federal litigation about discriminatory lending practices.

And the law requires health officials to give preference for up to two licenses to applicants that “own one or more facilities that are, or were, used for the canning, concentrating, or otherwise processing of citrus fruit or citrus molasses and will use or convert the facility or facilities for the processing of marijuana.” The citrus preference is the subject of one of several marijuana-related court challenges.

During about an hour of public testimony Thursday, most of the complaints were focused on the citrus-related language in the proposed rule.

Lawyer Seann Frazier pointed out that the proposed regulation substituted the word “property” for “facilities,” which, he said, “adds vagueness” and may broaden the language in the statute, something the agency is not permitted to do.

The proposed rule would give the two highest-scoring applicants who are eligible for the citrus preference an extra 35 points, in addition to a total of 1,150 possible points available to all applicants. The 35 extra points amount to just a three percent bonus, Frazier said.

“We respectfully suggest that more weight should be given to the citrus preference” to “avoid a situation where you issue licenses and no one really had a meaningful exercise of the preference,” Frazier, who represents Tampa-based Louis del Favero Orchids, said.

Office of Medical Marijuana Use Director Christian Bax asked Frazier if he had a suggestion about how many points the citrus preference should be worth.

“I suggest it should be a lot higher preference, one that would make a difference that a citrus-qualifying applicant will actually receive a license,” said Frazier, whose client is interested in seeking one of the citrus-preference licenses.

Other speakers complained that page limits imposed in the proposed rule could prevent applicants from providing necessary information, such as how many dispensaries they plan to open or information about human-resources policies.

“We’ll certainly take all of these concerns into consideration. We’re also going to wait for those written comments that are going to be submitted over the next seven days,” Bax told reporters after the meeting. “If the department believes that a change needs to be made, then it will be made. If not, then we’ll continue to move forward with this process.”

Bax had blamed delays in the rollout of the rules on litigation involving the black farmer provision in the law — which has now been resolved — and Hurricane Irma.

Following Thursday’s hearing, the public has a week to submit comments on the proposed rule and 10 days to file administrative challenges.

If no challenges are filed, the agency could begin accepting applications by mid-July.

But that prospect is unlikely, industry insiders believe.

“There may be some people in the room that want to slow this down because they’re not ready to apply yet,” said Jeff Sharkey, a lobbyist and founder of the Medical Marijuana Business Association of Florida.

Legal and administrative challenges have become part of the state’s medical-marijuana odyssey.

“If the scoring happens in a certain way, and somebody disagrees with it … then there’s probably bound to be some protests. It’s a very litigious process here, after the awards are made,” Sharkey said.

The proposed application-process rule is one of a series of regulations that have been harshly criticized by a legislative committee whose job it is to ensure that agency’s rules correctly implement state laws.

Bax has been under fire for months for refusing to respond to the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee’s objections to his office’s proposed and emergency regulations.

Many of the problems identified by the committee were characterized as an unauthorized regulation that “enlarges, modifies or contravenes” the 2017 law.

For example, the law requires health officials to issue four more licenses once the number of eligible patients in a statewide database reaches 100,000, and an additional four licenses after another 100,000 patients are registered. One of the health department’s emergency rules allows Bax to issue four “contingent” licenses to applicants who are not selected in the initial round of evaluations, something the oversight committee says the Office of Medical Marijuana Use is not authorized by law to do.

In March, Department of Health General Counsel Nichole Geary told the committee’s executive director, Kenneth Plante, that the agency was “working diligently to move forward with new rules in light of the objections raised by the committee” so that health officials could begin accepting applications in the spring.

But the rule proposed on May 1 ignored several of the committee’s objections, Plante pointed out in a letter this month, asking if it was an oversight or if the department refused to make the modifications.

On Thursday, Bax told reporters the health department is still reviewing the committee’s letter.

“There’s always give and take” between the committee and state agencies, Bax said, adding that “we certainly respect the Legislature’s prerogative to provide input on this process and we’re looking forward to continuing our work with them.”

But Plante told The News Service of Florida state agencies and the legislative oversight committee “are all part of a system” aimed at ensuring that the rules implementing the statute go into effect.

“So if their (the health department) position is they’ve got their job, we’ve got ours, and never the twain shall meet, I think they overlap. We’re supposed to be working together to make sure this is a good product. That’s our goal,” he said.

by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida

Dedria’s Gift Presents Local Scholarship Awards

The charity Dedria’s Gift recently presented two scholarships to deserving Flomaton High School students.

Dedria’s Gift honors the memory of Dedria Robinson who was killed in a 2005 automobile accident at age 11. The group annually provides school supplies for hundreds of children the Century area.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Travel Expected To Be Up For Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and Americans will kick off the season by traveling in near-record numbers. According to AAA, more than 41.5 million Americans will travel this Memorial Day weekend, nearly 5 percent more than last year and the most in more than a dozen years (2005).

Even as gas prices rise like outside temperatures, AAA still expects an additional 2 million people will take to planes, trains, automobiles and other modes of transportation. INRIX, a global transportation analytics company, expects travel delays on major roads could be 2-3 times longer than normal, with the busiest days being Thursday and Friday (May 24-25), as commuters mix with holiday travelers.

“Higher gas prices will not be enough to keep travelers home this Memorial Day weekend,” said Vicky Evans, Assistant Vice President, Travel Sales Development, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “A strong economy and growing consumer confidence are giving Americans all the motivation they need to kick off what we expect to be a busy summer travel season with a Memorial Day getaway.”

Florida Travelers

• Total travelers: More than 2.2 million Floridians will travel on Memorial Day weekend, 5.5 percent more than last year.
• Automobiles: The vast majority (89%) of Florida travelers will hit the road. A total of nearly 2 million Floridians will take a road trip, which is an increase of more than 100,000 people (5.5%) from last year.
• Planes: More than 177,000 Floridians will fly to their holiday destination, an increase of more than 12,500 individual passengers (7.6%).
• Trains, Buses, and Cruise Ships: Travel across these sectors will increase by 1.3 percent to 62,103 passengers (almost 1,000 more than last year).
• Florida gas prices for Memorial Day weekend will be the most expensive in four years.

Sylvia Smith Hart

Sylvia Smith Hart, age 77 passed away May 23, 2018 .The Daphne resident was a native of Canoe, Alabama. She was employed for more than 36 years by the Press-Register in Mobile, where she worked variously as a reporter, copy editor and page designer. During her years as a reporter, she received a number of certificates and plaques of appreciation from local, regional and state organizations for news coverage in the fields of health, religion and education. Among those were the Press Club of Mobile, 1980; Alabama Eye and Tissue Bank, 1991; Medical Association of the State of Alabama, 1971, 1986 and 1990; Alabama Public Health Association, 1992; Alabama State Nurses’ Association, 1987; Mobile County Nurses’ Society, 1986; Mobile Mental Health Center, 1970; Mobile County Chapter of American Red Cross, 1985 and 1986; Alabama Baptist State Convention, 1974; Conference of Downtown Churches of Mobile, 1983; Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Mobile, 1983; Right to Read Effort of the Catholic Diocese of Mobile, circa 1970s; Mobile Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa educators association, 1977; Alabama Interdenominational Seminary, Mobile, 1982.

Hart received a bachelor of arts degree with a double major in journalism and English from Samford University in Birmingham in 1962. She attended Canoe Public Elementary School, whose building continues as a site for education in the community as part of the private Escambia Academy. She also attended Escambia County High School in Atmore.

Hart is predeceased by her parents, King and Olvena Smith, who owned a farm in Canoe. She is survived by her two brothers and their wives, J. Michael Smith and wife Janice Turner Smith of Canoe and D. Max Smith and wife Marie Horn Smith of Hurtsboro, Alabama. Her survivors also include nephew Ben Smith and wife Becca of Canoe, nephew Brian Smith and wife Rita of Birmingham; and niece Anita Marie Hitchcock and husband Paul of Gulf Breeze, Florida. As requested by Hart, her great-nieces and great-nephews are honorary pallbearers. They are Sam and Will Smith of Canoe; Bailey Smith of Birmingham; and Mary Miles, Kate and Jack Hitchcock of Gulf Breeze.

A graveside service will be held 11 AM Saturday, May 26, 2018 at Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery in the community of Wawbeek, AL. The address is 124 Sardis Church Road, Atmore, Alabama.

Hart’s request was that contributions be made to a charity of your choice or to the American Cancer Society, PO. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123; phone:

1-800-227-2345; online: cancer.org.

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