Funeral Services Set For Beloved Retired Educator Donald Helton
August 5, 2018
Funeral services were held Sunday for a beloved retried educator who lost his life while fishing Thursday on Escambia Bay.
Donald Ray Helton of Catonment fell overboard into the bay. He was 79.
Funeral services for Helton were held Sunday afternoon at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home in Atmore.
Helton was a retired seventh grade science teacher at Ransom Middle School. The 1962 University of Alabama graduate had passion for Alabama Crimson Tide football and fishing.
He was a native of Huxford, AL, a former resident of the Atmore area and had lived in Cantonment since 1965.
His survived by his wife of 57-years, Patsy Helton of Cantonment, son Michael and numerous relatives. For the complete obituary, click here.
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Turn Out The Lights?
August 5, 2018
Thousands of red-hatted fans braved the heat and the rain to crowd into a Tampa arena this week, greeting President Donald Trump with a raucous welcome and boosting the political fortunes of Trump acolyte Ron DeSantis.
DeSantis, a Northeast Florida congressman, has made Trump’s endorsement a cornerstone of his primary campaign against Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, the “establishment” candidate who just a blink of an eye ago was considered the clear front-runner in the contest to succeed outgoing Gov. Rick Scott.
But after a seeming lifetime of preparation to take up residence at 700 North Adams Street, Putnam’s candidacy for governor now appears doomed, in what one veteran Republican operative gloomily predicted “could be the last nail in the GOP’s coffin in Florida.”
“The Republican Party has lost its collective mind. It is some sort of mass psychosis. I close my eyes and I see my colleagues in the party just shuffling across this broad plain like lemmings, as they raise this little cloud of dust as they head toward the cliff,” operative J.M. “Mac” Stipanovich told The News Service of Florida in a telephone interview this week.
If Trump’s endorsement of DeSantis — described by Stipanovich as “a hologram of a man who knows nothing about Florida” and “whose only claim to fame is 100 appearances on Fox TV and being a Trump sycophant” — secures the nomination for the congressman, “it is a disheartening commentary on the shallowness, superficiality and the gullibility of the Republican primary electorate,” Stipanovich said.
The eloquent and erudite Stipanovich, a wily political strategist who’s advised a number of Republican governors and played a role in the 2000 presidential recount, said he isn’t writing off Putnam, yet, “if for no other reason than that hope springs eternal.”
But Republican strategist Rick Wilson, one of the founders of the “Never Trump” movement, sees more dire headwinds for Putnam’s dream of moving into the governor’s mansion.
“It’s over. It’s been over for a while. It no longer matters what you are, what you believe, where you come from. What matters now is does Donald Trump tweet about you and does Fox News book you every night or not,” said Wilson, the author of “Everything Trump Touches Dies: A Republican Strategist Gets Real About the Worst President Ever,” which will be released Tuesday.
Wilson is among a chorus of strategists on both sides of the aisle who say a DeSantis nomination could help Democrats in November, if the right candidate makes it out of the crowded primary.
“The pro-Trump, pro-Fox, Ron DeSantis audience that exists in the Republican base is not purple Florida. It is not a 50-percent-plus-one equation at this moment,” he said, while warning that the Democrats “could easily f— things up.”
“Their infinite capacity to screw themselves is remarkable, but without too fine a point on the thing, if they pick a Gwen Graham, they have a chance. And if they pick a Jeff Greene, welcome to Gov. DeSantis,” Wilson said.
TRUMP TALK
Trump thrust his outsized persona into the middle of Florida’s governor’s race with a full-throated endorsement of DeSantis in the Sunshine State’s largest media market Tuesday.
Less than a month before the Aug. 28 gubernatorial primary, Trump opened his speech by telling a crowd of more than 10,000 people packed into the cavernous Expo Hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds that DeSantis was a “good friend” and a “tough, brilliant cookie.”
DeSantis, a three-term congressman who grew up in nearby Dunedin, said it was “a true honor to be standing here endorsed by the president of the United States.”
“I appreciate your support. But I appreciate more the leadership you are showing,” DeSantis said, citing Trump’s record on the economy, Israel and U.S. Supreme Court appointments.
DeSantis said Florida “is going in the right direction” but can continue to improve on “economic opportunities,” and “we can fight illegal immigration.”
His last statement drew a loud cheer and chants of “build that wall.” DeSantis said he would support imposing an electronic-verification system to make sure Florida workers have legal immigration status. He also said he would “stop sanctuary cities,” although there are none in Florida.
Putnam, who celebrated his 44th birthday Tuesday at a political event highlighting veterans in The Villages retirement community, said he supports Trump and his agenda.
“But this is about being Florida’s governor. This is about leading a $1 trillion economy in the third largest state, and to do that you need to know Florida,” Putnam said. “I know Florida better than any of the other candidates running. I’m confident that there’s an awful lot of Trump-Putnam voters out there who want a governor who actually understands the challenges facing them and puts them first.”
The venue Tuesday was important because the Tampa Bay media market can potentially reach a quarter of the state’s voters and has the largest concentration of Republican voters, said Susan MacManus, a longtime political-science professor at the University of South Florida.
“It’s clear now that DeSantis is playing offense and Putnam is playing defense. We’ll have to see. Putnam probably still has a lot of loyalists who see polls that suggest he could be better against any of the Democratic nominees,” MacManus said.
Several times during Trump’s speech, he made sure to mention his support for DeSantis, who has been a frequent guest on the Fox News network and is an ardent defender of the president.
“He’s going to be an incredible governor,” Trump said.
Trump also said he doesn’t “do these endorsements easily,” but then cited his recent endorsement of Brian Kemp, a hard-line conservative who went on to a landslide victory in a Georgia Republican primary for governor.
DOGGONE ‘TRICKERATION’
The state is appealing a Tallahassee judge’s decision this week to knock off the November ballot a proposed constitutional amendment that would end commercial greyhound racing.
Leon County Circuit Judge Karen Gievers on Wednesday called the proposed constitutional amendment misleading and “outright trickeration.”
“Contrary to the words presented for consideration by the voters, the amendment would not end dog racing, nor would it eliminate wagering on dog racing,” Gievers wrote in Wednesday’s order.
“In short, proposed Amendment 13 is misleading and inaccurate and incomplete, while adding up to a ‘hide the ball,’ ‘fly a false flag’ and outright ‘trickeration,’ ” she wrote.
Attorneys for the state moved quickly Thursday to appeal Gievers’ ruling.
The proposed constitutional amendment is one of eight ballot measures placed on the Nov. 6 general-election ballot by the state Constitution Revision Commission. Attorney General Pam Bondi has been an outspoken proponent of the plan to do away with dog racing.
“This issue has been out there for a long time,” Kate MacFall, the co-chairwoman of the political committee supporting the proposal, said in an interview Thursday. “We know that it’s illegal in 40 other states. The CRC (Constitution Revision Commission) process put this on the ballot, and I think it’s fair and just to give Florida voters a voice.”
But Jack Cory, a lobbyist for the Florida Greyhound Association, which represents breeders and trainers and filed the lawsuit, issued a statement supporting Gievers’ conclusion that the amendment would mislead voters.
As an example of the issues involved in the case, Gievers ruled that the ballot proposal would be misleading because it would not actually ban dog-race wagering. That is because betting would still be allowed at Florida tracks on races broadcast from outside the state.
“You can lie to the CRC to get something put on the ballot, you can even lie to the media, and you can try to lie to the people of the state of Florida,” Cory said in an interview Thursday. “You cannot lie to the courts, without severe consequences.”
STORY OF THE WEEK: President Donald Trump stumped in Tampa for Republican Congressman Ron DeSantis, who is now the front-runner in the GOP primary against Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam to succeed Gov. Rick Scott.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “This is the Normandy for the Democratic Party in Florida.” — Former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine, a Democrat running for governor, referring to the 2018 election.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Flomaton House Fire Under Investigation
August 5, 2018
The cause of a house fire near Flomaton Saturday night is under investigation.
The fire reportedly stated in the living room area of the structure on Sardine Road, just off Highway 113 north of Flomaton . There were no injuries reported. The Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office was called to investigation.
The Flomaton, Friendship and Lambeth fire departments, and the Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded.
File photo.
Biscuits Beat The Wahoos
August 5, 2018
Montgomery scored four runs in the top of the 13th inning and took game three by a final score of 9-5, Saturday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
With two outs in the 13th, Jake Cronenworth broke a 5-5 tie with a two-run single off Carlos Navas (L, 4-2) to give the Biscuits a 7-5 lead. They would double the advantage with another two-run single from Michael Brosseau to put the game out reach.
Santillan battled all night against the Biscuits posting his fourth quality start in six outings. Despite allowing base runners in all but one of his six innings, Santillan’s only setback came in the second inning on two unearned runs.
Rafael De Paula replaced Santillan in the seventh and walked the bases loaded. He was then lifted for Robinson Leyer, who escaped the bases loaded jam, allowing only one run. Leyer and Joel Bender combined for 3.1 innings on three hits, three walks, and three strikeouts.
The Wahoos had chances to walk off in the extras. In the 10th with the winning run at second, Mitch Nay grounded out to short to end the Wahoos chances at a win. In the 11th, the Wahoos again scored the tying run and had the winning run at third but Luis Gonzalez hit into an inning-ending double play to send the game to the 12th. The Wahoos were 4-for-24 with runners in scoring position and left 13 men on base.
The Wahoos will look to improve their series unbeaten streak to 13 in Sunday’s game against the Biscuits. The Wahoos will start RHP Daniel Wright (6-6, 3.68), and RHP Benton Moss (4-4, 3.82) will take the hill for the Biscuits.
Escambia Man Charged With DUI Manslaughter After Morning Crash
August 4, 2018
An Escambia County man is facing DUI manslaughter and vehicular manslaughter charges after a Saturday morning crash.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 25-year old Blake J. Shull of Pensacola was westbound on West Michigan Avenue in a 2002 Saturn about 2 a.m. when he rear-ended a 2000 Ford Mustang driven by 60-year old Dean E. Moyster of Pensacola.
The collision caused Moyster’s car to rotate and collide with a utility light support. Shull’s vehicle continued westbound, veered onto the shoulder and hit a utility light support and a Tom Thumb sign.
Moyster was pronounced deceased from his injuries. Shull was treated and released at Sacred Heart Hospital for minor injuries.
Shull was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond for DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and driving while license is suspended.
‘It’s Here’ – Midnight Practice Gets Players Fired Up For Football Season
August 4, 2018
Are you ready for some football?
At 12:01 a.m. Saturday, the stadium lights were on and the excitement of the upcoming football season was definitely in the humid air as the Northview Chiefs hit the wet grass of Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium in Bratt.
Welcome to Midnight Madness, Chiefs style.
Saturday was the first legal day for contact and full gear under FHSAA rules. And Northview Coach Derek Marshman was wasting no time.
“It’s here. It’s time for some football. It’s been a tradition here since 2016,” Marshman said. “We’ve had a great summer. The kids are excited; the kids are fired up.”
For a photo gallery, click here.
“We have a lot of key guys returning to key positions. We have a lot of experience returning,” he said of a team with 14 seniors, over triple last year’s number. “We are excited about it. We’ve got a great coaching staff. It’s been a great start so far.
It’s still a couple of weeks before preseason games in Florida.
Northview will host Vernon in a kickoff classic on Friday, August 17 before playing Lighthouse Christian School on August 24 and Choctaw on August 24
Down the road in Cantonment, the Tate Aggies will host Pensacola High on August 17 before Choctaw visits Pete Gindl Stadium on on August 24.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: “Midnight Madness” — the season’s first full contact practice that began at 12:01 a.m. Saturday at Northview High School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ready, Set, School Shop: Sales Tax Holiday Info, Supply Lists
August 4, 2018
Between now and midnight Sunday is the Back to School Sales Tax Holiday in Florida. Qualifying items will be exempt from tax including: certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item; and clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $60 or less per item. For a complete list of eligible items, click here.
School starts Thursday, August 10 in Escambia County, FL. This year, there is a single countywide list for all elementary schools and a single list for all middle schools.
Helpful date: First day of school is August 13.
- Elementary School Supply List for all elementary schools not listed below.
- Molino Park VPK.
- Molino Park ESE Pre-K.
- Byrneville Elementary School
Middle School Supply List
- #2 Pencils
- Blue or Black ink pens
- Wide Ruled Notebook Paper
- Pack of multi-colored highlighters
- Zippered Binder or 2 inch, 3 ring notebook and set of 10 dividers
- Ear buds
- Texas Instruments TI30X solar powered calculator for Algebra I only
Bowman Avenue Closure, Detour Extended
August 4, 2018
The Bowman Avenue closure and detour that began on Wednesday, July 18 has been extended until Monday, August 6 due to weather delays.
Bowman Avenue South between West Nine Mile Road and Fretz Street will remain closed to through traffic. Traffic is being detoured along Ashland Avenue South, Cove Avenue South and Bush Street. Crews are installing sanitary sewers and new manholes as part of utility upgrades.
If other lane or roadway closures are necessary beyond Monday, another notice will be issued.
College Students Get Boost With More Bright Futures Money
August 4, 2018
Florida “medallion scholars” will be among the biggest beneficiaries this academic year of the state’s efforts to expand financial aid for university and state college students.
As students enroll for their fall classes this month, the projected 46,000 medallion scholars will have their Bright Futures scholarships increased to cover 75 percent of tuition and fees, up from a prior scholarship amount that covered about half of the cost. Tuition and fees average more than $210 per credit hour at the larger state universities.
In addition, the expansion will allow medallion scholars to use their merit-based scholarships for summer classes in 2019.
The expansion is part of a record $519 million Bright Futures program approved this year by lawmakers and Gov. Rick Scott. Funding for the medallion portion of the scholarships increased from about $85 million in 2017-2018 to about $190 million this year.
The funding and changes, which are included the new $88.7 billion state budget and related legislation (SB 4), also make permanent the expansion of aid for the top-performing Bright Futures students, known as “academic scholars,” to cover 100 percent of tuition and fees. They also receive $300 for the fall and spring semesters for the cost of textbooks.
The academic scholars, who will total about 48,000 this year, were able to use their Bright Futures aid for summer classes in 2018, which is the first time that has occurred since 2000-2001 budget year.
The Bright Futures expansion will largely benefit students attending Florida’s 12 state universities. But the scholarships also help students studying at Florida’s 28 state colleges, with more than 6,000 college students qualifying for medallion aid in 2016-2017 and about 1,750 qualifying as academic scholars.
Although state analysts are still refining their latest projections for the aid programs, preliminary data also showed more than 195,000 students will benefit from the state’s largest need-based aid, known as “student assistance grants.” The average award this year is expected to be just under $1,400 per student.
About 86 percent of that aid will benefit students attending public universities and colleges, and the remainder will help students at private schools and other post-secondary programs.
Meanwhile, more than 39,000 state residents attending private colleges and universities in Florida will benefit from the newly renamed “effective access to student education (EASE),” grants program. The maximum award for those scholarships, which total $137 million, will increase from $3,300 to $3,500 this academic year. EASE formerly was known as the Florida Resident Access Grant, or FRAG, program.
Schools projected to have the largest number of EASE grants include Bethune-Cookman College (2,300), Keiser University (7,000), Nova Southeastern University (2,150), Southeastern University (2,100) and the University of Miami (2,400).
Also, the Benacquisto scholarships, which cover full tuition and fees and provide a generous living allowance for National Merit scholars, will be expanded to include out-of-state students for the first time this year.
State analysts project more than 1,100 students in the program in 2018-2019, with approximately 59 out-of-state scholars.
The aid expansion comes as Florida continues to provide higher education to students at one of the lowest costs in the country. In 2017-2018, the College Board reported Florida’s average $6,360 in tuition and fees to attend a public four-year school ranked second-lowest in the nation, below the national average of $9,970.
by Lloyd Dunkelberger, The News Service of Florida
Weekend Gardening: August To Do List
August 4, 2018
Here are gardening tips for the month of August from the UF/IFAS Extension program:
What to Plant
- Bedding Plants: The hottest days of summer limit planting now to heat tolerant vinca, gaillardia, bulbine, and coleus.
- Bulbs:Aztec lily, butterfly lily, walking iris, and spider lily can be planted any time of the year, even late summer.
- Herbs: Herbs that can be planted from plants (not seeds) include bay laurel, ginger,Mexican tarragon, and rosemary.
- Vegetables: This month starts the fall planting season. Many cool season crops can be planted now, including a final crop of warm-season vegetables such as pepper. Tomato can be planted for the fall garden.
- Lawn problems: Damaged areas can be the result of insects, disease, or irrigation problems. Be sure to determine the cause so the proper remedy is used. Use a sharp mower blade and only remove 1/3 of grass blade to reduce stress on the lawn.
- Palms: If older fronds are yellowing, you may have a magnesium or potassium deficiency. Apply an appropriate palm fertilizer.
- Poinsettias: Pinch back poinsettias and mums before the end of the month to allow time for buds to form for winter bloom.
- Ornamental Plants: Rapid growth and leaching rains may result in nutrient deficiencies in some plants. Fertilize those plants that show signs of deficiencies.
- Bedding Plants: Remove spent blooms, cut back, and fertilize flowering annuals and perennials to extend the bloom season into the fall months.
- Adjust irrigation based on rainfall.
- Deadhead flowers to encourage new blooms.
- Monitor the garden for insects and disease.
- Plant trees, shrubs, and perennials and water until established.