Atmore Moves Toward City School System; Supporters Want To End Racial Divide, Failing Schools
March 12, 2019
The Atmore City Council took the first official step Monday toward the possible formation of a city school system as supporters push for an end to a racial divide and failing schools.
The council voted unanimously to begin the process to find a consultant to study the feasibility of operating a city system, with a particular look at if it would be affordable.
“We have smart kids right here in Atmore,” Loumeek White, president of Atmore Citizens for Change, said. The group has spearheaded the drive to split Atmore’s schools away from the Escambia County (AL) Board of Education.
White said many of the “smart kids” no longer attend school in Atmore. Instead, they travel to Northview High School in Escambia County, FL, or to Escambia Academy, or schools in Flomaton (also part of the Escambia, AL, system), he said, adding it has created an obvious racial divide.
“The white kids are going to Flomaton and Northview,” he told the Atmore council and a crowd of about 75 that attended Monday’s meeting. “You’ve got to see the separation.”
According to the Alabama Department of Education, 322 of the 368 students at Escambia County High School in Atmore are black or African American.
“Our high school is on the failing list with Alabama schools, not for the first time. And our problem is we continue to fail. Why? Because we send $6 million to Brewton…Only when our leaders are faced with the possibility of losing that ($6) million are they ready to talk to us and give us crumbs,” council member Susan Smith (pictured left) said.
“The superintendent said I’m not giving Atmore anything because the schools here and the equipment belongs to the county. And yet you pay taxes,” Smith told the audience.
Atmore’s city attorney, Larry Wettermark, will bring a proposal for a feasibility consulting company back to the council, most likely at their next meeting on March 25.
As the council adjourned, city officials, council members and audience members held hands and prayed for the future of Atmore’s children.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured above: Atmore Citizens for Change President Loumeek White (left) and Atmore Mayor Jim Staff discuss a city school system during an Atmore City Council meeting Monday afternoon. Pictured below: Council member Susan Smith explains her support for a city school system. Pictured bottom: City officials, council members and audience members held hands and prayed after the meeting. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Florida Fracking Ban Advances Amid Concerns; Broxson Says Ban Could Impact The Industry
March 12, 2019
A move to ban “fracking” in Florida advanced Monday in the Senate with some oil-drilling protections for the Everglades, but not more comprehensive language sought by environmentalists.
The Senate Agriculture Committee voted 3-2 along party lines to approve a measure (SPB 7064) by Chairman Ben Albritton that would meet Gov. Ron DeSantis’ call to ban hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, which involves injecting large volumes of fluids into rock formations at a “high rate” of pressure to help release natural gas and oil.
Sen. Doug Broxson, a Gulf Breeze Republican who voted for the proposal, expressed concern that the ban could impact the industry. Broxson noted that while the fracking technique has not been employed in the state, Florida has long had oil drilling in parts of the Panhandle and Southwest Florida.
“Florida has very limited resources as far as what is in the ground,” Broxson said. “What we’ve done is safe and responsible. And let’s don’t do anything to interrupt what we’ve done right for the last 60 years.”
While adamantly opposed to fracking, environmentalists have opposed Albritton’s bill because it doesn’t address a technique called “matrix acidizing.”
The acidizing technique utilizes many of the same chemicals as used in hydraulic fracking, but it dissolves rocks with acid instead of fracturing them with pressurized liquid.
Sen. Kevin Rader, D-Delray Beach, said by not prohibiting the acidizing technique, as well as hydraulic fracturing, the proposal continues to be a “risky proposition” for the state’s fragile ecosystem.
“I don’t understand why we are taking chances, Oklahoma has, as we heard last week, has fracking going on and for the first time in their history they’ve got 2,000 earthquakes between the years 2015 and 2017,” Rader said. “I know there is a little bit of debate that it is due to fracking or not, but the majority of the debate believes that it is.”
Before voting, the committee made a change proposed by Albritton, R-Wauchula, that would impose additional state Department of Environmental Protection reviews on oil exploration within the Everglades Protection Area, along with increasing permitting costs and penalties.
Albritton’s amendment came after the 1st District Court of Appeal last month ruled that a Broward County landowner should receive a permit for exploratory drilling on about five acres of land in the Everglades. DeSantis’ administration, Broward County and the city of Miramar are asking for a rehearing in the appeals court.
Albritton said his proposal wouldn’t prohibit the drilling permits.
“At the end of the day, the courts have ruled that they can drill there, it really doesn’t leave us with very many options,” Albritton said. “My goal with this amendment was to provide for additional cost and safety measures, if they so choose to expand the drilling in that area.”
Proposals to ban fracking have repeatedly emerged in recent years but have not passed. Groups such as the Florida Petroleum Council have opposed the proposals, contending that fracking is safe, can boost production and help hold down energy costs for consumers.
But Albritton’s proposed ban gained traction this year after DeSantis in January released a list of environmental proposals that included opposition to hydraulic fracturing.
Opponents of Albritton’s proposal, many of whom contend they will remain opposed to the current bill if it doesn’t address “all forms of fracking,” argue fracking threatens Florida’s already-stressed water supplies, can impact agricultural production and can cause environmental damage.
David Cullen, a lobbyist for Sierra Club Florida, said even the Everglades amendment includes loopholes, noting a prohibition on access corridors and drilling pads through sensitive areas would continue to allow such uses when “reasonable and prudent alternatives are not available.”
“In other words, we get to do whatever we want to do in the Everglades, one way or another,” Cullen said of oil companies.
Albritton’s proposal is similar to a House bill (HB 7029) that has started moving forward. Sen. Bill Montford, D-Tallahassee, has proposed a bill (SB 314) that would ban hydraulic fracturing and matrix acidizing.”
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Driver Hits Utility Pole On Alabama-Florida State Line
March 12, 2019
A driver escaped injury Monday afternoon when he struck a utility pole and a tree on the Alabama-Florida state line.
The man failed to negotiate a 90-degree curve on Old Bratt Road just outside Atmore shortly before 4 p.m. The road runs along the state line, but the pole struck by his pickup truck is in Alabama.
Alabama State Troopers are investigating.
The Atmore Fire Department also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Unemployment Rate Jumps In Escambia, Santa Rosa
March 12, 2019
The latest job numbers released Monday show a jump in the employment rate in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Escambia County’s seasonably adjusted unemployment rate increased from 3.3 percent in December to 4 percent in January. There were 5,788 people reported unemployed during the period. One year ago, unemployment in Escambia County was 4.4 percent.
Santa Rosa County’s unemployment rate jumped from 3.1 percent in December to 3.8 percent in January. Santa Rosa County had a total of 3,025 persons still unemployed. The year-ago unemployment rate in Santa Rosa County was 4.2 percent.
Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.4 percent in January 2019, a 0.1 percentage point increase from the December 2018 rate, and down 0.5 percentage point from a year ago. There were 352,000 jobless Floridians out of a labor force of 10,320,000. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.0 percent in January.
The jobless numbers released by the state do not include persons that have given up on finding a job and are no longer reported as unemployed.
Seven Now Charged After February Shakedown At The Escambia (AL) Jail
March 12, 2019
Seven people have now been charged in connection with a shakedown February 9 at the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton.
According to Sheriff Heath Jackson, the following individuals were all charged with promoting prison contraband first degree in connection with cellphones:
Darrell Octavius Brown, 29, Atmore
Marcus Joseph Dooms, 33, Mobile
Willie James Henry, 40, Mobile
Tamichael Vantrell Hudson, 47, Mobile
Marcus Oneal Pritchett, 26, Selma
Christopher Ladale Pugh, 26, Brewton
Kevin Lee Watson, 44, Atmore
“This is still an ongoing case and more charges are expected,” Jackson said.
The Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office and Brewton Police conducted the search. Officers located four homemade knives, 13 cellphones, six phone chargers, a quantity of tobacco, a bag of spice, four cigarette lighters, six books with hidden compartments and one tattoo gun.
For a photo gallery from inside the shakedown, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Luke Haynie
March 12, 2019
Luke Haynie, 83 of Atmore, AL. passed away March 9, 2019 in Atmore.
He was born in Eclectic, AL. on December 11, 1935 to the late Lehman and LaRue Ward Haynie. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Atmore and was a retired Prison Guard from Fountain Correctional Facility. He was a graduate of Troy State University.
His parents, wife Levice Marie Haynie and two sisters precede him in death.
He is survived by his step daughters Mia Evatt (Jason Stoutamire) of Atmore, AL. and Tya (David) Hotelling of South Carolina, two grandchildren Letah (Nathan) Bishop and Dorian Stoutamire and other family and friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 3 PM from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home with Rev. Kevin Garrett officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, March 14, 2019 from 2pm until service time at 3pm from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Annual Branden Penegar Car Show Set For Saturday In Gonzalez
March 12, 2019
The sixth annual Brandon Penegar Memorial Car Show will held this Saturday at the Gonzalez United Methodist Church on Pauline Street.
Any make, model or year car is welcomed for the show. Car registration will be from 8:00-11:00 a.m. on March 16. The fee is $15 to only display a car, $25 to enter the car in the show. Spectator admission is free. Click here for a printable flyer (pdf) with more information.
There will be live music, door prizes and concessions available.
For more information, call (850) 393-3035 or (850) 232-1044.
Branden Penegar, known as the “Gentle Giant” was a 2011 graduate of Tate High School, an assistant coach for the freshman Tate Aggies’ football program and varsity tennis team, and a member of the Tate High School Student Hall of Fame. He passed away in March 2013 at the age of 20. Penegar was a active member of the Gonzalez United Methodist Church and youth program.
Pictured: Last year’s Branden Penegar Car Show. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Mr. Lowell Stephen “Gingerboy” McGill, Sr.
March 12, 2019
Mr. Lowell Stephen “Gingerboy” McGill, Sr., age 84, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2019 in Atmore, Alabama.
Mr. McGill was a native of Perdido, AL and had resided in Atmore, AL for the past 62 years. He worked at WATM as a D.J, worked for FEMA, was the voice of Atmore Blue Devils, taught school at Bratt, Century, FL and McCullough, was Principal at McCullough, founder of Tri City Ledger and the Atmore News, writer for Atmore Advance and his weekly ending quote was, “It always whisper to me those days of long ago”. He loved old cowboy pictures, big bands, coached Little League Baseball, supported his sons in their ball playing and was a member of the Brook’s Memorial Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his parents, Reese and Ruth McGill.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ouida Troutman McGill of Atmore, AL; three sons, Lowell Stephen “Steve” (Janet) McGill, Jr. of Atmore, AL, Mark (Suzanne) McGill of Atmore, AL and Bryan Wade (Farrah) McGill of Atmore, AL; three sisters, Glennes McGill Hadley of Perdido, AL, Patricia “Princess” (Dale) Cooper of Atmore, AL and Diane McGill Weaver of Silverhill, AL; six grandchildren, Whitney Maholovich, Jordan Jones, Amanda Strawbridge, Haden McGill, Rease McGill and Wade McGill and four great grandchildren, Grady Jones, Will Strawbridge, Corbin Strawbridge and Thatcher McGill.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at 3:00 PM at the Brooks Memorial Baptist Church with Rev. James Boyd officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 12, 2019 from 1:00 PM until service time at 3:00 PM at the Brooks Memorial Baptist Church.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Strawbridge, Haden McGill, Jacob Maholovich, Lewis Jones, Ray Chasez and Marion Cooper.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Aubrey Teal, Hugh Long, Ellie Bailey, Wesley Hughes, Forest Jones and VFW.
Autumn Marie Hasting
March 12, 2019
Autumn Marie Hasting, age 5 of Perdido, AL. passed away March 9, 2019 in Perdido, AL. She was born in Bay Minette, AL. on December 20, 2013 to Nicholas Rolin and Taylor Hasting. She is preceded in death by her father Nicholas Rolin and her paw-paw Danny Rolin, great grandparents Charles Rolin, Ronnie and Sybil Fiddler, Carlis and Beulah Johnson.
She is survived by her mother Taylor Hasting, a brother Devon Hasting; grandparents Pat Rolin (John Zachary Barlow), Diannia Hasting and Lamar Hasting (Melissa Lowery). Great-grandparents Betty and Jerry Hasting , Betty Rolin and Sharron Alvarez, uncles, aunts and host of family and friends.
Funeral services will be held March 14, 2019 at 11 AM from the Fretwell Tabernacle Church with Sister Helen Stewart, Bro. Joe Welch and Bro. Roy Wintt officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, AL.
Active pallbearers will be Zack Barlow, Jordan Hasting, Hunter Johnson, John Taylor Johnson, Logan Ferrell and Billy Mills. Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 13, 2019 from 6pm until 8pm from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Hoyt W. Martin
March 12, 2019
Hoyt W. Martin, 92, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2019. He had a peaceful death and was surrounded by his loved ones.
His funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 15, 2019 at Pensacola First Church of the Nazarene, 3475 Pine Forest Rd, Cantonment, FL 32533. The graveside service will follow at Bayview Memorial Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 till 11:00 am at the church prior to the funeral service.
Hoyt was born on January 2, 1927 in Century, Florida and grew up in Jay, Florida. There he learned to work hard, farm, fish and hunt. He drove the Jay School bus at age 16. He excelled in football, but loved sports of every kind. His children and grandchildren have had many laughs over the years as he’s told detailed stories of his childhood calamities and adventures.
Hoyt joined the Merchant Marines and then the Air Force after he graduated from Jay High School. When he returned home from military service, he joined his family in Pensacola, FL and there met and married the love of his life, Ruth Cassady, on September 3, 1950. They had 5 children, Rhonda, Janet, Derrick, Shannon and Doug, who remember their dad as a strong, fun-loving father who led by Christian example and lived to serve others.
Hoyt retired from Civil Service at Eglin AFB after 40 years of service. He worked as an electronics instruments engineer, designing aircraft surveillance equipment, but he could not share anything about the “missions” because of his security clearance. His children would ask about his trip destinations and work, but we always got very vague answers. We did know that he spent time going to Cape Canaveral and Key West because he would always bring back cases of oranges and grapefruit for us. In our eyes, “Daddy” was and always will be a hero.
Our dad was an outdoorsman. He loved the sunshine, grew beautiful vegetable gardens every year and shared produce with friends and neighbors. He enjoyed many conversations with strangers who would stop by to look at his garden. He was also a bee keeper for many years. Of all the outdoor activities Dad shared with us, we all agree that camping at Thanksgiving was the highlight of our year. The children and grandchildren will always have such great memories of “A.J.” (a name given to him by Derrick and Randy Richards) setting up a fabulous campsite which always included a huge fire and our “blue” tent. The tradition of camping at Thanksgiving goes on for our family and for many friends who have shared so many special times together at Cotton Lake with us.
Hoyt was healthy and played sports for almost all of his life. He boxed, played football, baseball, was a runner, coached and played on the Nazarene Church softball team. In his later years, he became a member of the Senior Softball Players Association. He and his brother, Bobby, enjoyed many years playing softball together, sometimes with and sometimes against each other. The Pensacola Senior Softball Association honored the brothers by forming a team called the “Pensacola Martins”. Bobby is still playing on the team. Daddy has developed so many friendships over the years with softball players and we appreciate so much how they have supported him over the years, especially after our mother passed away.
Hoyt was an active member of First Church of the Nazarene where he served as a builder, an usher and greeter for many years. The softball field at the Nazarene church was built and dedicated to him and his good friend, Marlowe Richards. Hoyt influenced many young lives as he quietly taught and lived his Christian values. He was dependable, consistent, respectful and demonstrated an unwavering faith. He was certainly a competitor, a great pitcher and a “place” hitter. Softball continued to be a ministry for him throughout his life.
Hoyt’s faith rested in Christ our Saviour. We know that he is now living with our Lord. We can only picture the wonderful moment when Jesus ushered him into heaven and imagine the beautiful reunion with all his loved ones and friends who have preceded him.
Hoyt is preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Cassady Martin; parents, Hoyt Martin and Stella Jernigan Martin; brothers, Benny Ray Martin and Gerald Kenneth Martin.
Hoyt is survived by brother, Robert LeGrande Martin (Charlotte); sisters, Mary Elizabeth Martin and Ramona Faye Bethune (Charles); children, Rhonda Lynn Forest (Joe), Janet Diane Martin, Derrick Craig Martin, Shannon Paige Michaud (Jeff) and Douglas Ryan Martin (Jenne); and many loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Friday, March 15, 2019, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at First Church of the Nazarene, 3475 Pine Forest Road, Cantonment, FL. Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at Bayview Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be Justin Salter, Halston Michaud, Jonathan Summers, Zachary Summers, David Guerny, Eric Hinote, Logan Martin, Brennan Martin and Ashley Summers. Honorary Pallbearers will be Randy Richards, Bill Ryland, Dewayne Cassady, Joe Forest, Joe Brown, Ronald Martin, Glen King, Adam Opava and David R.
Memorials may be made to Music Ministry, First Church of the Nazarene, Cantonment, FL.
Hoyt “fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith.” He is now wearing the crown of righteousness that our Lord promised to him. 2Timothy 4: 7-8