Gulf Breeze News

Kessler Invitational packs action

01/08/2009

Gulf Breeze sophomore Jailyn Coulter (right) dives and steals the ball from Ooltewah (Tenn.) senior Jerome Montgomery during the Dolphins' 66-58 defeat against the Owls in the semifinals of the first Dr. Alec Kessler Memorial Invitational basketball tournament last week.

Budget cuts top agenda

BY PAM BRANNON Gulf Breeze News news@gulfbreezenews.com — 01/08/2009

There probably will be about 100 fewer teachers working in Santa Rosa County Schools next year, but half of those were leaving anyway. That projection by the school district is expected to be one of the issues discussed today at 5:30 p.m. during a town hall meeting at Gulf Breeze High School.

TOWN HALL MEETING

01/08/2009

What: Santa Rosa County School District Town Hall Meeting When: Today, 5:30 p.m. Where: Gulf Breeze High School cafeteria Topic:

Hotel shootings have residents on edge

BY JOE CULPEPPER Gulf Breeze News joe@gulfbreezenews.com — 01/08/2009

Two shooting incidents during a 15-day period at the Quality Inn & Suites is cause for alarm, a worried city resident said last week. "Gulf Breeze does not feel like the safe haven of the past," a Gulf Breeze News reader wrote in an e-mail to the newspaper. The woman asked that her name not be published.

Go Gators!

01/08/2009

Lisa Newell/Gulf Breeze News Several local residents are showing their support for the Florida Gators, who play the Oklahoma Sooners tonight for the college football national championship. The game airs at 7 p.m. on WALA-Fox 10 TV.

One man's 'O'pinion:' O'Brien GB column malicious bunk

01/08/2009

Pensacola News Journal know Mark O'Brien as the veteran community observer whose column - O'Pinions - is titled with an obvious play on his last name. For decades, O'Brien, 59, has made his living pontificating on issues of local interest.

Wildlife Sanctuary seabirds in need of food

BY SCOTT PAGE Gulf Breeze News scott@gulfbreezenews.com — 01/08/2009

The Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida is asking for donations of fish to help feed seabirds housed at the sanctuary as cold weather has caused an increase in the number of birds, especially pelicans, housed at the sanctuary.

House Speaker Sansom steps away from college position

01/08/2009

Rep. Ray Samson of Destin, House Speaker in the Florida legislature, resigned Monday from his $110,000-a-year job at Northwest Florida State College after weeks of criticism alleging conflict of interest. The Republican steered $25 million to the college in Niceville when he served as budget chief in the House.

New restaurants to open doors in Gulf Breeze first quarter of '09

BY VICI PAPAJOHN Gulf Breeze News vici@gulfbreezenews.com — 01/08/2009

At the December 15 Gulf Breeze City Council Meeting, City Manager Edwin "Buz" Eddy presented a summary of pending development and construction expected in first quarter 2009. "Shane (Carmichael, Gulf Breeze Community Services and Code Inspector) has prepared a report for you," Eddy explained.

Senior Bingo Luncheon scheduled for Jan. 28

01/08/2009

It's that time again. The Columbiettes of St. Sylvester Catholic Church again are providing the Senior Bingo Luncheon, free to all seniors in the greater Navarre area. It will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at the St. Sylvester's Parish Center, 6464 Gulf Breeze Parkway.

'Animal whisperer' to demonstrate skills Saturday at Recreation Center

01/08/2009

The Gulf Breeze Dog Lovers are presenting a program featuring an Intuitive Communicator, Sarah Christopher. Christopher has the ability to communicate with many different animals in learning of their special needs and illnesses.

GBPD confirms burglary suspects caught

01/08/2009

The Gulf Breeze Police Department confirmed Monday that three men arrested in Montgomery, Ala., prior to Christmas were involved in a burglary outbreak in Gulf Breeze prior to the holidays. Police Lt. Rick Hawthorne said the three men remain jailed in Alabama's capital city, and warrants for their arrest still are being prepared in Gulf Breeze.

Dipping into a new year

01/08/2009

Why would anyone in their right mind want to wade and swim in the frigid waters of Santa Rosa Sound on New Year's Day? "Why not?" responded Sarah Morgan, one of about 100 people who ignored the cold to participate in the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Pensacola Beach on Jan. 1.

This week on Pensacola Beach

01/08/2009

January 10, 2009 King Kake Party! Mystic Krewe of Nereids King Kake Party @ Paradise Bar & Grill 3-7PM Music by Boogie Inc.

Pensacola Beach Run set for Jan. 17

01/08/2009

Lace up your running shoes and get ready for the Pensacola Beach Run. The race will consist of a 5K and 10K run and a half marathon. The race begins at the Hilton on the Pensacola Beach at 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17.

Pensacola Beach kicks off Mardi Gras festivities

01/08/2009

Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, Feb. 24 this year, but the good times are already rolling on Pensacola Beach. The Mystic Krewe of Nereids is hosting its King Kake party on Saturday, Jan. 10 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Paradise Bar and Grill, and this is the first of many parties scheduled throughout January.

Via de Luna residents may get free Portofino landscaping

BY LISA NEWELL Gulf Breeze News lisa@gulfbreezenews.com — 01/08/2009

Robert Rinke, appearing on behalf of Portofino, again asked the Santa Rosa Island Authority to borrow against the future additional lease fees owed to fund a beautification project on Pensacola Beach. The project would plant almost 4,000 palm trees to enhance the entrance to the Island along Quietwater Boulevard and for two and a half miles of Via de Luna.

Gulf pier passes may increase $30

01/08/2009

The Santa Rosa Island Authority is expected to approve a request to increase annual passes on the Gulf Pier by $30 across the board. "We haven't had an increase in six years," Gulf Pier operator Mike Pinzone said, adding that in that time period expenses, including the minimum wage, have increased.

What role will you play?

01/08/2009

In Shakespeare's "As You Like It," Jacques says, "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts....". In the Christian tradition, we have just come through the seasons of Advent and Christmas. Many players came across the stage in that drama.

'09 toll pass on sale now

BY LISA NEWELL Gulf Breeze News lisa@gulfbreezenews.com — 01/08/2009

Sean Bullington, 37, found out the hard way that his pass expired Dec. 31 when he was denied access to the island on Jan. 2. A self-employed businessman, he said he couldn't renew his pass because the SRIA office was closed until Jan. 5. As one who makes multiple trips across the bridge per day, he said the inconvenience would cost him a day's work.

What's on tap?

01/08/2009

Thursday 1/8 Seville Quarter Karaoke, 7 p.m. Paddy O' Leary's Texas Hold'em 444 Fun, 7 p.m. Sandshaker Lounge Tim Spencer, 8 p.m. Friday 1/9 Seville Quarter Texas Hold 'Em, 6 p.m. Sandshaker Lounge Buzzcutt, 8:30 p.m.

THINGS TO DO

01/08/2009

Thursday, Jan. 8 Saturday, Jan. 10 Comedian Alex Thomas performs at UWF Alex Thomas will perform in the University Commons Auditorium at 8:30 p.m. Thomas has opened for Sinbad, Jamie Foxx, Daman Wayans and Bill Cosby. He's also appeared in major motion pictures such as "Just Married" and "The Wash.

Gulf Breeze Police Department Incident Report

Information provided by the Gulf Breeze Police Department. — 01/08/2009

For Dec. 21 through Jan. 5 At 10:40 a.m. on Jan. 4, Bruno's employees observed a white female putting a bottle of Schmidt - Schone Riesling into her purse. She was not apprehended. A vehicle burglary in the Chanteclaire neighborhood was reported a week after the fact. The offense was reported to have occurred on Dec. 21 but was not reported until Dec. 29.

Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office Report

Information provided by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office. — 01/08/2009

Felonies 12/29/2008 Skipper, Carol Cherie, W/F, 29, 3000 block of Wind Meadow Drive, Gulf Breeze, marijuana distribution. Wallace, Nikolaus Oliver, W/M, 27, 2200 block of Frontera Street, Navarre, driving with a suspended license and vehicular theft.

Midway Fire District Emergency Report

Information provided by Midway Fire District. — 01/08/2009

Weekly Activity Report For the week of Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, Midway Fire District was called for 31 incidents. These calls included 19 medical, 1 structure fire call at the 1100 block of Bayview lane with $500 in damages. The fire was extinguished by the homeowner before the fire department's arrival. The cause of the fire was hot coals in garbage.

Gulf Breeze Volunteer Fire Emergency Report

Information provided by Midway Fire District. — 01/08/2009

Weekly Activity Report For the week of Dec. 27 through Jan. 2, Gulf Breeze Volunteer Fire Department was called for six emergencies. These calls included an EMS call on Dec. 28 to the Quality Inn hotel for a shooting victim, 2 additional EMS calls and 1 brush fire.

Dolphins fourth at Kessler Tournament

BY JASON THOMPSON Gulf Breeze News jason@gulfbreezenews.com — 01/08/2009

They had the longest trips, but they made it worth their while. Livingston Academy and Ooltewah High Schools - both from Tennessee - advanced to the championship game of the inaugural Alec Kessler Memorial Invitational Foundation Invitational Basketball Tournament on New Year's Eve at Gulf Breeze High, with LA winning 59-39.

Best of the rest from the first Kessler Tourney

01/08/2009

The inaugural Alec Kessler Memorial Basketball Tournament came to a close just hours before the start of the new year. The tournament was a rousing success, as auction items raised more than $2,100 for the Kessler Foundation and Pillars for Promise.

Scholarship winners

01/08/2009

GBHS seniors Tobie Bass (far left) and Daniel Shull (second from right) won two of the four scholarships from the Andrews Institute at a dinner Dec. 29 at St. Ann's Catholic Church. Also shown are (from left): Northview's Lucas Killam, Rhea Kessler and Washington's Angelina Malamo.

Sports Schedule

01/08/2009

Jan. 9 Girls, boys soccer at Navarre (5:30, 7:30 p.m.) Girls BKB vs. Milton (Ninth grade 4:30, JV 6, Var. 7:30) Jan. 10 Wrestling at Bay Invitational, TBA Boys soccer vs. Chiles (JV 10 a.m., Var. noon) Boys basketball vs.

GBSA basketball season resumes Saturday

BY JASON THOMPSON Gulf Breeze News jason@gulfbreezenews.com — 01/08/2009

The Gulf Breeze Sports Association kicked off its 2008- 09 basketball season on Dec. 13 in seven different leagues. After a two week hiatus, the action resumes Saturday at the Rec Center.

Tourney champs

01/08/2009

The Breeze U-13 All Stars pose with their championship trophy after the Ballers Holiday Classic. They are (front row, from left): Mark Duntz, Brandon Aydelott, Cole Brown and Brian Garbell.

Breeze 13s win two tournaments

BY JASON THOMPSON Gulf Breeze News jason@gulfbreezenews.com — 01/08/2009

The Breeze Basketball U-13 boys team ended 2008 with a pair of tournament wins - the Ballers Holiday Classic on Dec. 13 at the Starr Athletics Holiday Hoops Classic on New Year's Eve. Breeze won the 10-team Starr Athletics Tournament, beating the Grover Robinson All Stars 30-37, avenging a buzzer-beating loss to them earlier in the tournament.

Lady Dolphins take third at Cottage Hill Tournament

BY JASON THOMPSON Gulf Breeze News jason@gulfbreezenews.com — 01/08/2009

The Lady Dolphin basketball team bounced back from an opening round loss to win its last two and take third place at the Cottage Hill Holiday Invitational Tournament on New Year's Eve in Mobile.

Mixed results for Dolphins at Tampa Tournament

BY JASON THOMPSON Gulf Breeze News jason@gulfbreezenews.com — 01/08/2009

The Gulf Breeze Dolphins had an up and down week at a tournament in Tampa over the Christmas break. Among their results were a win in regulation, a loss in regulation, a win in penalty kicks and a loss in penalty kicks. But the worst loss of all is midfielder Jack Begley, who broke four bones below his eye going in for a header.

Sports Briefs

01/08/2009

GBSA baseball, softball lacrosse registration underway underway Registration for the upcoming GBSA baseball, softball and lacrosse seasons is now until Jan. 15 for lacrosse and Jan. 31 for baseball and softball. Ages for baseball are 4-15, softball 6-16 and lacrosse 8-17. Cost for the baseball and softball is $75 and lacrosse is $85.

Victories in Valdosta

01/08/2009

The GBHS wrestling team competed in the Valdosta (Ga.) Invitational Friday. They are (front, from left): R.C. Ramirez, Chris Gary, Jack Hoehn, Stephen Houser, Mike Reitz and Kyle Mckissack. Back (from left): Taylor Retherford, Ben Sweet, John Stanley, Jesse Parsons, Kyle Magnes, Tanner Eagley and Chris Barretta.

Chavers sets records at Pace meet

BY JASON THOMPSON Gulf Breeze News jason@gulfbreezenews.com — 01/08/2009

Meredeth Chavers broke three school records for the GBHS girls weightlifting team in a fourteam meet at Pace on Dec. 17. Chavers set records for her weight class in the bench press (110 lbs.), clean and jerk (105) and total weight lifted (215). Chavers won her weight class, as did Brittany Wheeler.

GBHS Lady Dolphin soccer players compete at Disney Showcase

BY JASON THOMPSON Gulf Breeze News jason@gulfbreezenews.com — 01/08/2009

Several members of the Lady Dolphin soccer team kept in shape over the holiday break by playing for their respective club teams in the Disney Soccer Showcase, sponsored by the Chelsea Soccer Club. The U-18 Pensacola Futbol Club's Lady Wolves went 1-2 in their pool.

'Truth Project' begins at GBUMC

01/08/2009

"The Truth Project" begins at the Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church on Jan. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Fairpoint Campus Lecture Hall. A recent study revealed only 9 percent of Christians have a Biblical worldview. The Truth Project is a 13-week, DVDbased study that discusses in great detail the relevance and importance of living the Christian worldview daily life.

DR. JOHN D. MYERS

01/08/2009

Dr. John David Myers, 79, of Pensacola, passed away on Dec. 30, 2008. Myers was a retired U.S. Navy Podiatrist, having served his country for more than 30 years. He retired as a full Commander and lived in Pensacola for 40 years.

NORMAN S. OLSON

01/08/2009

Norman Stukey Olson Sr., 82, of Gulf Breeze passed away Friday, Dec. 26, at his home. Olson was born to Axsel Martin Olson, a farmer, and Arvilla May Stukey Olson, a teacher, on May 28, 1926 in Alfred, N.Y., in Allegheny County. He was raised on his parents' farm and attended Alfred High School. After serving as a military policeman in the U.S.

MAURICE E. PHILLIPS

01/08/2009

Maurice Eugene Phillips, 66, of Gulf Breeze, passed away at home on Dec. 31, 2008. Phillips was born July 14, 1942, in Grenada, Miss. He graduated from Rolling Fork High School in 1960. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Calendar of Events

01/08/2009

Thursday, Jan. 8 Santa Rosa County Commission 9 a.m., County Administrative Center, 6495 Caroline Street, Milton Santa Rosa County Fire Protection Board of Adjustments and Appeals 4 p.m.

Yes, I know lots of words, but word games are not my specialty

01/08/2009

It was only last spring when I had a phone call from a kind reader of the column who, among other remarks, said with a tone of awe, "You do know an awful lot of words, don't you?" Naturally, I was flattered.

Cartoon

01/08/2009

Mantra reprise: "If we can just get through this . .

01/08/2009

Like many small businesses, Gulf Breeze News is affected by the roller coaster of the economy. In fact, we've rolled with so many punches lately that we are almost completely round!

Labarga brings experience to High Court

01/08/2009

On Friday, Jan. 2, I had the distinct honor and unprecedented privilege of appointing a third member - Jorge Labarga - to the Florida Supreme Court. During his 13 years on the bench of the 15th Judicial Circuit, Judge Labarga has presided over both criminal and civil cases. Before becoming a judge, he served as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney.

Democracy pleads for fair hearings on ERA

01/08/2009

After reading your Dec. 25 story headlined 'Constituents pepper delegation with ideas,' I decided to write because my heart aches about the cuts to education and other critical services caused by the economic tsunami. I want to believe there are other ways to cut instead.

On the Spot: WHERE WE PUT PEOPLE "ON THE SPOT" TO ANSWER A QUESTION "ON THE SPOT."

By Scott Page — 01/08/2009

"Maybe he should get to know the people here. He probably would feel differently." Shelly Pittman Gulf Breeze

NOTICE OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 01-09

01/08/2009

Please be advised that Proposed Ordinance No.01-09 was presented to the City Council of the City of Gulf Breeze for first reading on Monday, December 15, 2008, and will be presented for final reading and adoption at a City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2009, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 1070 Shoreline Drive, Gulf Breeze, Florida.

LEGALS

01/08/2009

NOTICE Pursuant to state law, a sale will be held at American Stor & Save, 4761 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL on 1/22/2008 at 8:30 am. The auction will be for household goods.