Summer Reading Program At The Molino And Century Library (Gallery)
June 8, 2018
The Summer Reading Program got underway this week at the Century and Molino branch libraries with a dynamic, interactive show featuring Japanese Taiko drums.
Next week, the free programs will feature musician Roger Day on the following schedule:
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
Day has performed with the Indigo Girls, Nancy Griffith and the Crickets (Buddy Holly’s band).
Pictured: This week’s Summer Reading Program at the Century and Molino branch libraries. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Registration Open For Tate Aggie Summer Baseball Camp
June 8, 2018
The 2018 Tate Aggie Baseball Summer Camp will be held June 11-13 from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. for players 8-14.
The Tate High coaching staff and players will host a three day camp that will focus on all aspects of the games of baseball. Players will need to bring their glove, baseball cleats, bats, turf type shoes (for batting cages) and any other necessary equipment.
Spots are limited; preregistration is recommended. The cost is $100.
For a registration form and more information, click here.
Escambia School District Names Top Social Studies Teachers
June 8, 2018
Escambia County School District Social Studies Teachers of the Year have been named.
They are Bonny Shiflett, Lipscomb Elementary School; Nichole Beckius, Bailey Middle School; and Robin Blalock, Tate High School
“Mrs. Shiflett brings history to life for her students through reading The Adventures of Rush Revere Book Series. She has correlated many social studies standards, as well as ELA (English and Language Arts) standards, directly with the content of these books. She has instilled a true love for history with each of her students! She has also been instrumental in gaining many resources for our school, as well as the school district,” said Lipscomb Elementary School’s Principal Susan Sanders. “Her passion for teaching social studies is contagious. When asked if she would train other teachers in our district, she willingly accepted. As a result, she will provide professional development to other teachers at the beginning of next year. She is an inspiring, dedicated teacher and is a very deserving recipient of the Elementary Social Studies Teacher of the Year for Escambia County School District.”
“Nichole Beckius is a true Vision 2020 teacher. Her innovative style of teaching brings the world of history alive to her students. We can’t wait to see what wonderful project the students will be introduced to next,” said Jim Bailey Middle School Principal Janet Penrose.
“Robin Blalock has become an important part of the Tate High School community. Her sponsorship of Rho Kappa (Social Studies Honor Society) has helped nurture the strong ties Tate has with the military and their families. Her content knowledge is always growing and she is the first to offer guidance to new teachers,” said Pam Killebrew, Social Studies Department head at Tate High School.
Each recipient was nominated by their school for their outstanding work in social studies education.
“They will be recognized at the Florida Council for Social Studies’ Annual Conference and are now eligible to compete for the honor of selection as Florida’s social studies teachers of the year for their grade levels,” explained Cherie Arnette, ECSD’s Social Studies specialist.
Chiefs Football Volunteers Thursday At Care Center
June 8, 2018
Several members of the Northview High School football team volunteered Thursday at the Century Health and Rehabilitation Center after summer workouts and conditioning. The Northview football linemen also held a car was Friday in preparation for summer camp. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Take Series With Narrow 3-2 Win
June 8, 2018
Wyatt Strahan (W, 5-4) overcame his Blue Wahoos Stadium woes and delivered a wonderful pitching performance that guided the Wahoos to a 3-2 game and series win.
It looked like an ugly start early for Strahan after Corey Ray pounced on the first pitch of the game with his ninth home run of the season. However, the University of Southern California product composed himself and retired the next three batters in order and escaped further trouble.
Offensively the Wahoos had their starter’s back with a swift response. After a leadoff single by C.J. McElroy, Nick Longhi scored McElroy with his eighth double of the season. With two outs in the inning, Luis Gonzalez singled home Longhi and later stole a base and scored on Narciso Crook’s first career Double-A RBI. When the dust in the first inning settled the Wahoos led 3-1.
Strahan cruised over the next three innings until he ran into Jake Hager in the fifth. The Shuckers shortstop jumped all over the 1-0 pitch and launched his sixth homer of the year to cut the deficit to 3-2. Again, Strahan rebounded and did not allow a run over his final 1.1 innings.
Jody Davis turned to his bullpen for a large portion of Thursday’s finale and once again the bullpen delivered. Victor Payano worked around a bases-loaded jam in the sixth and finished his night with two scoreless innings. Alejandro Chacin replaced Payano with one out in the eighth and finished off the frame with the lead intact. In the ninth, the skipper called upon Alex Powers and the Massachusetts-native finished off the Shuckers in dramatic fashion. With the tying run on second, Tyler Heineman hit a groundball to shortstop that was mishandled by Gonzalez. However, the Wahoos shortstop made a heads-up throw to third base, which caught Trent Grisham well off the bag and stuck in a rundown. After a couple throws, Gonzalez—who made the original error—caught the throw from Cassidy Brown to tag out Grisham and seal the win.
Pensacola will hit the road Friday morning towards Pearl, MS, for a five-game series against the M-Braves. LHP Seth Varner (2-0, 3.03) will make his third start of the year against former first-round pick Kyle Wright (3-6, 4.37). The upcoming series is the second-to-last series for the Blue Wahoos prior to the All-Star break
New ‘Aggressive’ Mosquito Species Found In North Escambia
June 7, 2018
The Escambia County Mosquito Control Division has identified a new species of mosquito within the county called Aedes japonicus, or Asian bush mosquito. Mosquito Control Technician Kimberly Betts identified the new species from a CDC light trap set in Cantonment near International Paper.
The Asian bush mosquito can also be found in Santa Rosa, Walton, Okaloosa, Bay and Leon Counties, and with the migration into Escambia, it brings the known list of mosquito species in Escambia County to 73.
Mosquito Control Technician Kimberly Betts realized the mosquito was not an Asian tiger mosquito, one of the local prominent container breeding mosquitoes, because the markings and colors were different. Two samples of the newly found mosquito were sent to a lab in Vero Beach, Florida and were officially verified as a new species within the county.
The Asian tiger and Asian bush mosquitoes both breed in natural and artificial water containers, including rock pools, bird baths, pet bowls and flower containers. Like the Asian tiger mosquito, the Asian bush mosquito is an aggressive daytime-biting mosquito, capable of transmitting several diseases to animals and people, according to Escambia County.
To help reduce the risk of getting bitten by mosquitoes, Escambia County said residents should follow the “Five D’s and an S” of mosquito control:
- Dusk to Dawn – is the time frame when mosquitoes are most active. Reduce or eliminate outdoor activity between dusk and dawn or take precautions to prevent mosquito bites
- Drainage – is key to eliminating breeding sites for mosquitoes. Check around your home to rid the area of standing water. Water found in old tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, leaky pipes and faucets, birdbaths and wading pools is where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
- Dress – in light colored, long sleeves and pants when you are outside, especially in mosquito infested areas.
- DEET – if you are going to be outside when mosquitoes are most active, make sure you apply insect repellent that contains DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide). Read and follow label instructions. Spray both exposed skin and clothing with repellent when outdoors.
- Screens – make sure window and door screens are in good condition.
Animals, such as dogs, cats and horses may be bitten by mosquitoes as well, though these animals may be protected by using vaccines and other methods as prescribed. Consult your veterinarian for methods to protect animals from mosquito-borne diseases.
To request Escambia County Mosquito Control Services including being added to the “no spray/fog” list, contact the Mosquito Control Division at 850-937-2188, mosquitocontrol@myescambia.com, submit an online request here.
Pictured: The Aedes japonicus mosquito. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mostly Clear Tonight
June 7, 2018
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. Calm wind.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.
Century May Hire New Accountant After Missed Deadlines, Late Audit; Grants In Jeopardy
June 7, 2018
The Town of Century is threatening to hire a new accountant after missed deadlines, the likelihood of a late audit submission to the state and the possibility that future grants could be denied as a result. And the issue $4 million in unpaid and possibly improper loans from a restricted revenue account remains.
Debbie Nickles, the town’s planner, said a $30,000 USDA Rural Development grant is in danger due to a 2016 audit. The USDA requested more information from the town after reviewing Century’s 2016 audit which showed “material weaknesses, significant deficiencies and and compliance findings”, according to an email from the USDA.
“It’s a real problem for future grants,” Council President Ann Brooks said.
In response to a NorthEscambia.com public records request, Brooks provided copies of email exchanges between Brooks, a representative of auditing firm Warren Averett and town accountant Robert Hudson.
Brooks said the this year’s town audit will not be completed in time for submission by the state’s June 30 deadline because accountant Hudson has not complete a list of tasks and provided documentation to Warren Averett.
“I have been corresponding with Robert directly for most of May. Each week he has promised he would be able to turn over the information, and then there is an issue and it is not ready. I emailed him again today to check on status. If you recall, we had tried to start the audit in January but were unable to get information at that time and told Robert we would try again in May,” CPA Kristen McAllister of Warren Averett said in an email to Brooks. “The Town’s audit is due to the State on June 30 and with only 1 month remaining until the deadline, I am not confident in being able to meet that deadline.”
“I had every intention of getting the audit completed timely this year, but we have not been able to get information to start the audit. I spoke with Kim earlier this month and let her know as well that we were waiting on information,” McAllister’s email said.
After missing a deadline to provide documentation, Hudson wrote on May 9, “I do expect to be completed within the next few days…..hopefully by Tuesday of next week. I am shooting for Friday of this week, but allowing additional time to put out a fire or two there as always happens”
The auditor followed up with an email on May 15 inquiring about the status of Hudson’s work.
He replied May 21 that several things were not completed by town employees. “Give me a couple more days,” Hudson wrote.
After a May 30 inquiry from the auditor, Hudson replied quickly that he was going back to the town offices “hopefully to complete the little things”. He also said the town’s Quickbooks software had to be updated, slowing the process.
In a June 4 email to Brooks, Hudson said everything should be in the auditor’s hands by the end of the week.
The Century Town Council voted to hold Hudson to a June 8 deadline to complete all work for the auditor. If not, the town plans to advertise for a new accountant. “…this letter serves as notice that we cannot have nor do we expect this type of service anymore. This is hurting our chances of getting grant money,” Century Mayor Henry Hawkins wrote in a demand letter to Hudson. [Click here to read the entire letter (pdf).]
“In the real world, I’d get fired,” council member Ben Boutwell said.
In his June 4 email to Brooks, Hudson offered explanations for the late submissions to the auditor. “There was difficulty in running down some of the entries needed to correct the books before we turned them over to the auditor,” he said, adding that the resignation of the town clerk and the appointment of a new clerk further slowed the process. He also stated that a search was underway for documentation to substantiate bills that had already been paid without invoices being posted. He also listed numerous tasks that are complete.
The 2016 audit found about $4 million had been borrowed from the town’s special revenue fund over several years to cover the general operations of the town. The revenues in the special revenue fund are restricted for specific purposes, and therefore, these funds will have to be repaid or it will be considered an inappropriate use of the restricted revenues. Century currently has an annual budget of $4.5 million and has been unable to repay the special revenue fund.
Since the 2016 audit was received, the town has continued to borrow from the special revenue fund, including money to keep the gas department afloat.
“This is the same situation as we referenced as a finding in the 2016 audit. All other amounts being borrowed from the special revenue fund have been treated as a loan as well. I would imagine this situation has continued through fiscal year 2017 as well, and would be included in the financial statement findings again this year,” the auditor wrote in a June 4 email to Brooks. Also, it would not be as significant of an issue if it was a small borrowing with repayment plan, however, it was approx. $4M (million) cumulative through fiscal year 2016. With that significant of a loan without a plan to reimburse the special revenue fund, it becomes a concern for the financial condition of the Town.”
Hudson wrote that he was working with the town attorney to resolve some of the “loans” from the special revenue fund by a reclassification as “maintenance of the street”, which is an allowed use.
Pictured top: Accountant Robert Hudson addresses the Century Town Council during a May 7 meeting. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Health Plan To Challenge Medicaid Contracts With Pensacola Company
June 7, 2018
A decision last week to award Medicaid contracts to two additional managed-care plans, one to a Pensacola firm, could mean more legal challenges for the state Agency for Health Care Administration.
The state announced last that Lighthouse Health Plan would be given a contract in Medicaid Region 1, which includes the western counties of the Panhandle. Lighthouse is affiliated with Pensacola-based Baptist Health Care.
The AHCA also announced that it was awarding additional contracts in Medicaid regions 9 and 11 to Miami Children’s Health Plan, which is affiliated with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Region 9 goes from Indian River County south to Palm Beach County and Okeechobee County, while Region 11 is made up of Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.
Attorneys for Molina Healthcare filed a notice with the state Tuesday announcing the HMO’s intention to challenge the agency’s decision last Thursday to award contracts to Miami Children’s Health Plan and Lighthouse Health Plan.
The HMO has 10 days to file a legal petition with the state.
The Agency for Health Care Administration has gone through a lengthy process to award new contracts in the Medicaid system, which requires most beneficiaries to enroll in managed-care plans. In April, the agency announced a decision to award five-year Medicaid contracts, which one official has estimated to be worth upwards of $90 billion in all, with nine HMOs.
That decision drew challenges from a dozen health plans that were not chosen for contracts, including Molina Healthcare.
Under a 2011 law that called for the statewide use of Medicaid managed care, AHCA is awarding contracts in 11 different regions. The number of contracts varies by region.
Molina’s notice filed Tuesday dealt with the additional contract awards.
Miami Children’s Health Plan and Lighthouse Health Plan are what are known as provider-sponsored networks because they are owned and operated by health-care providers. If the contract awards stand, they will provide “managed medical assistance” services, which involve the bulk of Medicaid beneficiaries and range from childhood checkups to surgeries.
Other health plans awarded contracts are expected to provide what AHCA describes as “comprehensive” services. In addition to managed medical assistance services, comprehensive plans would offer long-term care such as skilled nursing services.
by Christine Sexton The News Service of Florida
Who Wants To Be A Millioniare Auditions In Pensacola Next Week
June 7, 2018
WEAR 3 and Who Wants to be a Millionaire will be holding open auditions in Pensacola on Wednesday, June 13. The auditions will be at the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd, Pensacola from 7-10 a.m. and 5-7 p.m.
Testing occurs approximately every 30 minutes. Those arriving after the sessions will not be allowed to audition. Audition space is limited. There are no sign-ups for road auditions, and admission to the audition sessions is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Any individuals that pass the test in the morning will come back and have a one on one interview with a show producer. Passing the second test they will lead to an on-camera interview. The second and third test will be from noon to 3 p.m.. Any individuals that pass the test in the evening will stay for callbacks.
Those that audition must be at least 18 years old and must bring a picture ID and proof of age to the audition. For details and list of eligibility requirements go to Millionairetv.com
Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.